Bulletins – Page 32 – St. John's Evangelical

BULLETIN- FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY FEBRUARY 4, 2018

February 4, 2018 lillyk24

ST. JOHN’S

Evangelical Lutheran Church

Montello, WI

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FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

FEBRUARY 4, 2018

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY

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.

A PERSONAL PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

Dear Heavenly Father: I come to your house today to worship you, to give you the praise you deserve and the prayers and hymns you desire. Through your Word and Spirit, come to me. Take me by the hand and lead me to the cross where your Son offered sin’s sacrifice once and for all. Forgive my sins, strengthen my faith, assure me of my salvation, and comfort me in my sorrow. Teach me today that you alone can heal the hopeless and save the sinful. Bless my worship today and tomorrow. Amen.

ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY

“Service of the Word” (hymnal page 38)

PASTOR’S GREETING

ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL GRADES K-4 SING “Thy Word Is A Lamp” (in place of opening hymn)

(Please stand)

LITURGY (hymnal page 38, read & sung responsively)

PRAYER OF THE DAY (pastor reads)

(Please be seated for today’s scripture readings)

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON JOB 7:1-7

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

“Does not man have hard service on earth? Are not his days like those of a hired man? Like a slave longing for the evening shadows, or a hired man waiting eagerly for his wages, 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 till 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 (hymnal page 105, lectern side sings first line, pulpit side sings second line, all sing refrain and Gloria)

EPISTLE LESSON 1 CORINTHIANS 9:16-23

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

Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for 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 use of my rights in preaching it.

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make 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 men 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 (pastor reads)

“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.” (John 8:12)

LITURGY (hymnal page 40, all sing)

“Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!…”

(Please stand)

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

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 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 traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

After the reading of the Gospel, all sing:

“Praise be to you, O Christ!”

(Please be seated)

SERMON HYMN 282 “Lord, Open Now My Heart to Hear” (printed in hymn, all sing)

SERMON MARK 1:29-39

“Spend a Day with Jesus! As we do so, we’ll see his power over…”

1. Sickness

2. Satan

3. Sin

(Please stand after the sermon)

APOSTLES’ CREED (hymnal page 41, all read)

(Please be seated)

OFFERING, GREETINGS, & FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS

PRAYER FOR EPIPHANY (read by pastor)

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (spoken by pastor)

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Chuck Boetcher, Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Alexandria Buehrens (Bob & Carolyn’s great granddaughter), Bob & Carolyn Buehrens, George Chapman, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Marjorie Fabian, Mike Farrell, Donna Gatzke, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Brian & Bonnie Harmon (Linda Lou Wacholtz’ sister & brother-in-law), Ardis Henning, Laurana Hoffman (Tim’s daughter), Drake Hunter (Bill & Cally’s grandson), Mary Isberner, Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Anna Madigan, Kerry & Lily Mann, Linda Malsack, Sherry Miller (Candace Sonnenberg’s sister), Marion Neuman (Marjorie Fabian’s sister), Steve Parrish, Wilma Rudolph, Bob Schrank, Becky Schulz (Kristen Cragin’s sister), Tim Schultz, Roger Stellick (Doug’s uncle), Bob Wegner – (added this week: Brian & Bonnie Harmon, Kerry & Lily Mann)

– For Jacob Polk & Cansis Bodsberg who were united in marriage on 1/22

(Please stand)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (hymnal page 43a, all read)

(Please be seated)

HYMN 93 “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

LITURGY (hymnal page 43b-44, read & sung responsively)

CLOSING HYMN 439 “Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for next Sunday (2/11):

The Transfiguration of our Lord

Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK FEBRUARY 4-FEBRUARY 10
Sun.	8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship with communion
	8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
	8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
	9:00 A.M.		St. John’s Adult Bible Study
	9:15 A.M.		Emmanuel Congregational meeting
	10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship
	11:15 P.M.		St. John’s Voters meeting
Mon.	9:00 A.M.		Pastor’s Study Club at St. John’s Princeton
	6:00 P.M.		Hands In Prayer meeting at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		Senior Choir at St. John’s
	7:30 P.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.	9:00 A.M.		St. John’s Elders meeting
	6:00 P.M.		Joint Ministry Stewardship meeting at St. John’s
Wed.	10:00 A.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
	1:40 P.M.		St. John’s School/Little Lambs early dismissal
	2:15 P.M.		Public School Teen Confirmation class at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		St. John’s Worship
	7:30 P.M.		Bible Information Class at St. John’s
Thurs.	10:00 A.M.		Montello Care Center devotion
	6:00 P.M.		Griefshare at St. John’s lower level begins (4 of 13 weeks)
			SJS/LL NO SCHOOL
Fri.			SJS/LL NO SCHOOL
Sat.
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018 Theme for next Sunday (2/11): The Transfiguration of our Lord
8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship
8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship with communion
5:00 P.M.		Lent by Candlelight at St. John’s

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN-UP The signup sheet is located in the church link way. Please sign up if you wish to have a copy of your 2017 offering statement.

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING ENVELOPES 2018 are located in the link way of church. Please pick yours up if you haven’t yet! If you do not have a box, feel free to contact pastor or the office and we will get one to you!

See the source image 2017 OFFERING STATEMENTS If you have signed up to receive your 2017 offering statement, please pick it up in the link way.

NEW MEMBER WELCOME DINNER Many thanks to the 70+ members who joined us on Sunday 1/21 at 11:15 a.m. for our joint E/SJ new member welcome dinner. Special thanks to Linda Wachholz for advertizing & coordinating the event. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

EASTER FOR KIDS DONATIONS Planning for 75 children for Saturday, March 24, at St. John’s. Your monetary gifts are needed most and help purchase: 1) crafts 2) plastic Easter pails 3) candy/prizes for 375 plastic eggs 4) outdoor vinyl advertising banner 5) food for lunch 6) treats/other basket stuffers. Donate home-crafted items for the baskets. Volunteer to bake for the baskets. Please contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635 to donate or volunteer.

We still collect plain print-free ice cream pails (ValuTime brand at Frietags or others). Donations are not needed for plastic eggs, grass, or traditional baskets. However, if you already have some you would like to give, we will take them. A donation box is located in the linkway.

PRE-REGISTER FOR EASTER FOR KIDS Any child, age 3 through Grade 6, is welcome to attend Easter for Kids at St. John’s on Saturday, March 24. This is an outreach program–it would be great if St. John’s & Emmanuel kids who attend would invite a non-member or unchurched friend! Register online www.stjohnsmontello.org Get registration forms at both churches, in Monday Magazine, on church & school Facebook, & on public bulletin boards around Montello. This year’s theme is “Jesus—Giver of New Life.” Storytime, singing, crafts, baby animal petting zoo, egg hunt, & more bring the true meaning of Easter to the children. Deadline is Friday, March 16.

See the source image YOUTH WOODCRAFT PROJECT On 7/6/17 lightning struck Gene Crook’s woodshop which was destroyed by fire. In thanksgiving to God that no one was hurt, and now that his woodshop has been rebuilt and tools replaced, Gene invites up to 16 youth (grades 5-8) to come on Tuesday 2/13 at 3:30pm to his new woodshop to assemble bird feeder kits for youth to take and set up at their home. Gene & Sharon Crook – W4018 County Rd. D – Montello, WI 53949 – Directions: County Road F @ 3 miles south of Montello, West on CR D, 2nd house, 1st farm on right – Please let Gene’s helper, Pastor Z, know if you plan to attend.

LENTEN SUPPERS We will be serving Lenten Suppers again this year! DUE TO THE TIME OF THE EVENING SERVICE AT 6:30P.M., we will be serving suppers from 4:15p.m.-6:00p.m. to help families skip the chore of making supper before they come to church. Come join us for a great meal, fellowship, and the Lenten service. Come for the meal after the 3:30p.m. service! We will be able to accommodate you at 4:15p.m…Watch the bulletin the Sunday before for the menu or see bulletin board display in the link way. A free will offering will go to each organization doing the supper. See you there!

MEMBERSHIP CLASS A new “Bible Information Class” began Wed 1/3/18 at 7:30pm in pastor’s office/conference room at St. John’s. Alternate days/times can also be scheduled. Free study guides are available from pastor…just ask.

NEW WEEKDAY/EVE BIBLE CLASS Beginning January 2018, we started a new weekday/eve Bible Study entitled: “Your Questions–Scriptures Answers: Adiaphora” (things that God doesn’t command or forbid in the Bible and how we are to properly use our Christian freedom). We meet at St. John’s in the pastor’s office/conference room Monday 7:30pm and Wednesday 10am. “Therefore let us leave the elementery teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…” (Hebrews 6:1)

LENT BY CANDLELIGHT Ladies, you won’t want to miss the second ever Lent by Candlelight on Sunday, February 11, 2018 at 5:00 PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello. Please plan to join us for an evening of visiting, beautiful music and scrumptious snacks. All women are invited and are encouraged to invite their friends to prepare their hearts for Lent. There is no charge for this event. Seating is limited, so RSVP by emailing christavantreeck@gmail.com or signing up in the link way at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello.

WEDNESDAY LENTEN DEVOTIONS “Jesus, Our Great High Priest” (based on the New Testament book of Hebrews) is the theme for this year’s midweek Lenten devotions beginning, Ash Wednesday, 2/14 3:30 p.m. at Emmanuel and 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s. Supper will be served in the St. John’s lower level from 4:30–6:00 p.m. “Jesus, I will ponder now, on your holy passion.” (Hymn 98)

SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY Following the Sunday 8:00 a.m. worship service at Emmanuel, usually about 9:00 a.m., all are invited to the parish hall for our study of “Timely Topics–Timeless Truths” led by Lucas Stelter. At 9:00 a.m. in the St. John’s sanctuary, all are invited to our study of the New Testament book of James: “Concrete Christianity” led by Pastor John Dolan and others. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” (2 Peter 3:18)

SECOND IMPRESSIONS THRIFT STORE is making plans to celebrate its one year anniversary, which is February 9^th! Be sure to watch church bulletins and/or Facebook for the latest news!

The Thrift Store has been very blessed with approximately 100 volunteers who so graciously and generously give of their time and talents! Many referrals by our customers are helping make our customer list grow! Volunteers continue to be needed to help keep up with the growth!

Customers may shop the store which provides a friendly, Christian atmosphere, with clean, well-organized, quality merchandise at great prices! Store hours are Tuesdays through Fridays 10a.m. to 6p.m. and Saturdays 10a.m. to 3p.m. It is located at 325 Winnebago Drive, Fond du Lac. We are also thankful to everyone who has so generously donated to the store! It certainly is a blessing. The donations have proved to be popular with our customers. Donations may be dropped off Mondays 10a.m. to 4p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays 10a.m. to 5p.m., and Saturdays 10a.m. to 2p.m. Thank you to everyone who has helped make our store a success!

Usher Schedule
February 4 E (with comm)	Brian Ninneman, Noah Buchholz, DuWayne Sommerfeld, comm. assist; Darrell Buchholz
SJ	Don Smith; Chief, Mitch Simon, Karl Whitrock, Matt Borzick, Glen Bubolz
February 11 E	Lucas Stelter, Bob Ferber, Joe Heller
(with comm) SJ	Kenon Smith; Chief, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls
February 18 E	Wayne Stelter, Warren Buchholz,
SJ	James Wachholz; Chief, Kevin Kaul, Scott Ritz, James Kunde, Ken Borzick
February 25 E	Darrell Buchholz, Paul Wuerch, Joe Heller
(with comm) SJ	Jack Yates; Chief, Ben Emond, Tyler Emond, James Henke, Paul Van Treeck

St. John’s Greeter Schedule
February 4	Phyllis Farrell & Pat Henning
February 11	Ciara Neuhauser & Bonnie Weiss
February 18	Jim & Diane Eisermann
February 25	Harold & Judy Fandrey

Attendance

Emmanuel

St. John’s

1-28 1-31

127 13

St. John’s Altar Committee

February 2018

Jennie Utke & Susan Brown

Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website & Facebook link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

https://www.facebook.com/St-Johns-Evangelical-Lutheran-Church-107160252675/

Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321

Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowpl6@hotmail.com

Principal Tim Hemling (608) 745-2549

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Sandra Hemling (608) 745-2776

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

Bulletin- THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY JANUARY 28, 2018

January 26, 2018 Kerry

ST. JOHN’S

Evangelical Lutheran Church

Montello, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

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THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

JANUARY 28, 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!

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY 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” (Romans 6:14). But we are not to abuse our Christian freedom. Instead Jesus has set us free so we will become slaves to righteousness, serving others in love, always thanking our Redeemer.

PERSONAL PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP 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. Teach us today how Jesus is our Prophet. Amen.

ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY

“Gathering Rite on the Word of God” (see below)

PASTOR’S GREETING

(Please stand)

M: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

C: (spoken) Amen.

OPENING HYMN 221 “Blessed Jesus, at Your Word” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

Blessed Jesus, at your Word
We are gathered all to hear you.
Let our hearts and souls be stirred
Now to seek and love and fear you,
By your teachings, sweet and holy,
Drawn from earth to love you solely.

M: Oh, how I love your law!

C: I meditate on it all day long.

M: Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,

C: for they are ever with me.

M: I have more insight than all my teachers,

C: for I meditate on your statutes.

M: How sweet are your words to my taste,

C: sweeter than honey to my mouth!

2 All our knowledge, sense, and sight
Lie in deepest darkness shrouded
Till your Spirit breaks our night
With the beams of truth unclouded.
You alone to God can win us;
You must work all good within us.

M: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

C: so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

M: Yet so often we have despised God’s Word and failed to gladly hear and learn it. For this and all our sins, we bow before God and humbly ask his forgiveness.

C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

3 Gracious Savior, good and kind,
Light from Light, from God proceeding,
Open now our heart and mind;
Help us by your Spirit’s pleading.
Hear the cry your people raises;
Hear and bless our prayers and praises.

M: God gave his Word so “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name”. The Scriptures testify about Jesus, who lived a perfect life for you, died on the cross to pay for all your sins, and rose again to assure you of your salvation. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

C: (spoken) Amen.

4 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Praise to you and adoration!
Grant that we your Word may trust,
Confident of our salvation,
While we here below must wander,
Till we sing your praises yonder.

PRAYER OF THE DAY (read by pastor)

M: Let us pray.

C: (spoken) Amen.

(Please be seated)

THE DAY’S BIBLE READING THEME

Jesus Is Revealed By Setting Captives Free

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Deuteronomy 18:15-20

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 (hymnal page 64 pulpit side sings the first line, lectern side sings the second line, all sing refrains and Gloria)

EPISTLE LESSON 1 Corinthians 8: 1-13 (today’s sermon text)

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 Alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is on me; He has anointed me to preach good news. Alleluia! (Luke 4:18a)

LITURGY (hymnal page 30, all sing)

“Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!”

(Please stand)

GOSPEL Mark 1:21-28

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.

LITURGY (hymnal page 30b, all sing)

“Praise be to you, O Christ”

(Please be seated)

SERMON HYMN 735 “Speak, O Lord” (see page 7-8 of bulletin)

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SERMON 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

“Practice Christian Freedom with Head and Heart!”

Learn of the freedom that is yours in Christ
Use that knowledge in love toward your neighbor

(Please stand after the sermon)

THE NICENE CREED (hymnal page 31, all read)

(Please be seated)

OFFERING, WORSHIPER GREETINGS, & FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS

SOLOIST James Wachholz sings “Star of the East” during the offering

OFFERING PRAYER

PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN LOVE (read by pastor)

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Chuck Boetcher, Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Alexandria Buehrens (Bob & Carolyn’s great granddaughter), Bob & Carolyn Buehrens, George Chapman, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Marjorie Fabian, Mike Farrell, Donna Gatzke, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Ardis Henning, Laurana Hoffman (Tim’s daughter), Drake Hunter (Bill & Cally’s grandson), Mary Isberner, Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Anna Madigan, Linda Malsack, Sherry Miller (Candace Sonnenberg’s sister), Marion Neuman (Marjorie Fabian’s sister), Steve Parrish, Wilma Rudolph, Bob Schrank, Becky Schulz (Kristen Cragin’s sister), Tim Schultz, Roger Stellick (Doug’s uncle), Bob Wegner – (added this week: George Chapman)
– For the family of Pastor Jim Weiland from Merrill called home on Monday (1/22)
– For our communicants at St. John’s

LORD’S PRAYER (hymnal page 32)

LITURGY FOR HOLY COMMUNION (hymnal pages 33-35)

(Please be seated for the distribution)

At Emmanuel and St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Churches we practice close Communion, to which only congregational members are invited, in obedience to Scripture’s teaching that the Lord’s Supper is an expression of our complete unity in faith. This has been the historic practice of the Christian church for nearly 2,000 years. If you are our guest today, we respectfully ask that you speak with the pastor before approaching the altar for Communion.

DISTRIBUTION HYMNS 306 “Before You, God, the Judge of All”

(After the distribution, please stand)

THANK THE LORD, CLOSING PRAYER, & BLESSING (hymnal pages 36-37)

(Please be seated)

CLOSING HYMN 498 “Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for next Sunday (2/4):

The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany: Jesus Heals the Hopeless

Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3
Sun.	8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship
	8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
	8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
	9:00 A.M.		St. John’s Adult Bible Study
	9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Council meeting
	10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship with communion
	2:00 P.M.		WLA Let’s Celebrate
Mon.	9:00 A.M.		Pastor’s Conference at Campbellsport
	6:00 P.M.		St. John’s School Board meeting
			NO CHOIR
Tues.	7:00P.M.		St. John’s Council meeting
Wed.	10:00 A.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
	1:40 P.M.		St. John’s School/Little Lambs early dismissal
	2:15 P.M.		Public School Teen Confirmation class at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		St. John’s Worship with communion
	7:30 P.M.		Bible Information Class at St. John’s
Thurs.	12:00 A.M.		St. John’s Ladies Aid lunch and meeting
	6:00 P.M.		Griefshare at St. John’s lower level begins (3 of 13 weeks)
Fri.			GROUNDHOG DAY
Sat.
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2018 Theme for next Sunday (2/4): The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany: Jesus Heals the Hopeless
8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship with communion
8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.		St. John’s Adult Bible Study
9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Congregational meeting
10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship
11:15 A.M.		St. John’s Voters meeting

MEMORIALS In loving memory of Brian Sluga, $100.00 has been given to St. John’s school by Valerie Schable. In loving memory of Walter Bubolz, $500.00 has also been given to St. John’s school by friends and family. In loving memory of Millie Henke, $20.00 has been given to St. John’s Sunday School by James and Linda Wachholz and $25.00 has been given to St. John’s church by the Ladies Aid. Thank you all for your gifts.

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God.” Job 19:25-26

THANK YOU all for your constant, steadfast support every year to our Lutheran Military Support Group. What a difference you make! God bless! -Semper Fi, John & St. John’s member, Mark Emond

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God.” Isaiah 43:2-3a

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN-UP The signup sheet is located in the church link way. Please sign up if you wish to have a copy of your 2017 offering statement.

See the source image 2017 OFFERING STATEMENTS If you have signed up to receive your 2017 offering statement, please pick it up in the link way.

FOOD BANK There is a Food Bank Donation Jar out today, January 28, located near the entrance of both churches.

LUTHER PREP SCHOOL AUCTION GALA Donations of new items are currently being accepted for the Luther Prep Auction Gala to be held on Saturday, April 21. If you have something to share it can be brought to the Mission Advancement office anytime during the LPS school day. If you cannot attend the Gala in person this would be a great way to show support! Monetary donations can be made online:

http://events.readysetauction.com/lutherpreparatoryschool/carnival

Deadline for donations is March 9. Questions? Contact Sue at 920-262-8104.

Your support benefits future pastors, teachers, and lay leaders.

SECOND IMPRESSIONS THRIFT STORE is making plans to celebrate its one year anniversary, which is February 9^th! Be sure to watch church bulletins and/or Facebook for the latest news!

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor) It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

Usher Schedule
January 28 (E)	DuWayne Sommerfeld, Paul Dahlke, Joe Heller
(SJ)	Jack Yates; Chief, Del Henke, Joe Zauner, Richard Freitag, Gerhardt Voigt
February 4 (C)
February 11
February 18
February 25

Greeter Schedule
January 28	LuAnn Zieman & Kay Maass
February 4	Phyllis Farrell & Pat Henning
February 11	Ciara Neuhauser & Bonnie Weiss
February 18	Jim & Diane Eisermann
February 25	Harold & Judy Fandrey

Attendance

Emmanuel

St. John’s

1-21 1-24

169 8

St. John’s Altar Committee

January 2018

Elaine Kelm & Carolyn Rosenthal

Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website & Facebook link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

https://www.facebook.com/St-Johns-Evangelical-Lutheran-Church-107160252675/

Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321

Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowpl6@hotmail.com

Principal Tim Hemling (608) 745-2549

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Sandra Hemling (608) 745-2776

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

Bulletin- THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY JANUARY 21, 2018

January 19, 2018January 19, 2018 Kerry

EMMANUEL and ST. JOHN’S

Evangelical Lutheran Churches

Mecan and Montello, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

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THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

JANUARY 21, 2018

A PERSONAL PRAYER FOR THOSE GATHERED FOR WORSHIP Redeemed, restored, forgiven, through Jesus precious blood Heirs of his home in heaven, oh, praise our pardoning God! Praise him in tuneful measures who gave His Son to die;

Praise him whose sevenfold treasures enrich and sanctify.

(Hymn 388:1) Heavenly Father: Through your Gospel in Word and Sacrament, forgive my sins, strengthen my faith, and make me a “fisher of men.” –all to your glory. Amen.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Jesus is Revealed by Preaching Repentance – Is God calling you today to sell everything you have, give it away and move to a foreign country to be a penniless missionary? His Word does not say that. God does call some people to public ministry. He sends some far from home. He gives some of his ministers hard assignments. Note: He calls all believers by our baptisms to be ready to leave anything for him. He left everything for us. He gave his holy life for us.

ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY

“Service of the Word” (hymnal page 38)

PASTOR’S GREETING

Note: At Sunday St. John’s & Emmanuel…

CHOIR “Be Strong in the Lord” (in place of opening hymn)

Note: At Wednesday St. John’s…

OPENING HYMN 80 “Angels from the Realms of Glory” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

LITURGY (hymnal page 38, read & sung responsively)

PRAYER OF THE DAY

(Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings)

SCRIPTURE READING THEME

The Lord’s Call Changes Hearts and Lives

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Jonah 3:1-5,10

Jonah’s preaching changed hearts and lives in Nineveh

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

Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days. On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.

PSALM 62 (hymnal page 88, men sing first line, women sing second line, all sing refrains and Gloria)

EPISTLE LESSON 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Live your life in view of the heavenly goal knowing your time is short

What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

VERSE OF THE DAY Alleluia! Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing every disease. Alleluia! (Matthew 4:23)

LITURGY (hymnal page 40, all sing)

“Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!”

(Please be seated)

GOSPEL LESSON Mark 1:14-20 (today’s sermon text)

“I will make you fishers of men”

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

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

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

After the reading of the Gospel, all sing:

“Praise be to you, O Christ”

(Please be seated)

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

At Emmanuel…all children ages 2-6 are invited to Nursery Sunday School in the parish hall.

SERMON HYMN 560 “I Hear the Savior Calling”

(printed in hymnal, all sing)

SERMON Mark 1:14-20 “Our Lord Is Calling”

His call caught us to be full-time followers of him
His call directs us to be people-catchers for him

(Please stand after the sermon)

APOSTLES CREED (hymnal page 41, all read)

(Please be seated)

OFFERING, WORSHIPER GREETINGS & FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS

(Please stand)

MISSION PRAYER (read by pastor)

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Chuck Boetcher, Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Alexandria Buehrens (Bob & Carolyn’s great granddaughter), Bob & Carolyn Buehrens, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Marjorie Fabian, Mike Farrell, Donna Gatzke, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Ardis Henning, Laurana Hoffman (Tim’s daughter), Drake Hunter (Bill & Cally’s grandson), Mary Isberner, Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Anna Madigan, Linda Malsack, Sherry Miller (Candace Sonnenberg’s sister), Marion Neuman (Marjorie Fabian’s sister), Steve Parrish, Wilma Rudolph, Bob Schrank, Becky Schulz (Kristen Cragin’s sister), Tim Schultz, Roger Stellick (Doug’s uncle), Bob Wegner, Pastor Jim Weiland – (added this week: Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Ardis Henning, Steve Parrish, Pastor Jim Weiland from Merrill, Pastor Z’s classmate)
– For Marla Ohrmundt called by St. John’s voters on 1/7 to serve as Little Lambs pre-school director through the end of the school year
– For loved ones far away

LORD’S PRAYER (hymnal page 43a, all read)

(Please be seated)

HYMN 569 “O Christ, Our True and Only Light” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

LITURGY (hymnal page 43b, read & sung responsively)

(Please be seated)

CLOSING HYMN 323 “Almighty Father, Bless the Word”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for next Sunday (1/28):

The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: Jesus Heals the Hopeless

Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK JANUARY 21-JANUARY 27
Sun.	8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship
	8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
	8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
	9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study
	10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship
	11:15 A.M.		New Member Dinner at St. John’s
Mon.	7:30 P.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.
Wed.	10:00 A.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
	1:40 P.M.		St. John’s School/Little Lambs early dismissal
	2:15 P.M.		Public School Teen Confirmation class at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		St. John’s Worship
	7:30 P.M.		Bible Information Class at St. John’s
Thurs.	10:00 A.M.		Montello Care Center devotion with communion
	6:00 P.M.		Griefshare at St. John’s lower level begins (2 of 13 weeks)
Fri.
Sat.
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018 Theme for next Sunday (1/28): The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: Jesus Heals the Hopeless
8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship
8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.		St. John’s Adult Bible Study
9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Council meeting
10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship with communion
2:00 P.M.		WLA Let’s Celebrate

MEMORIAL In loving memory of Walter Bubolz, $75.00 has been given to St. John’s Church and School by Terri Champine. Thank you for your gift.

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

2 Corinthians 9:11

MEMORIAL In loving memory of Irv Krueger, $100.00 was given to St. John’s Debt Reduction Fund by Diane (Krueger) Hintz in remembrance of Irv’s 75^th birthday on January 14^th. Thank you for your gift.

I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1

See the source image THANK YOU to all our St. John’s members and Mecan members for your prayers on my brother, Dennis Umland’s, behalf. After a 2 year battle with cancer, our kind and merciful Lord has ended his battle and has taken him home to Heaven. Your prayers were appreciated and helped us all, as we know they work. God bless you all, dear church family.

–Harold & Judy Fandrey

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN-UP The signup sheet is located in the church link way. Please sign up if you wish to have a copy of your 2017 offering statement.

See the source image 2017 OFFERING STATEMENTS If you have signed up to receive your 2017 offering statement, please pick it up in the link way.

See the source image WELCOME NEW MEMBERS at Emmanuel & St. John’s since December 14, 2015! You will be guests at a Welcome Dinner TODAY Sunday, January 21, beginning at approximately 11:15 a.m. following today’s St. John’s worship service. Your hosts will be the members & families of the St. John’s Accessibility Task Force, St. John’s Shepherd Team, Emmanuel Council & Leaders, and Pastor & Mrs. Zietlow. See you soon!

http://events.readysetauction.com/lutherpreparatoryschool/carnival

Deadline for donations is March 9. Questions? Contact Sue at 920-262-8104.

Your support benefits future pastors, teachers, and lay leaders.

SECOND IMPRESSIONS THRIFT STORE is making plans to celebrate its one year anniversary, which is February 9^th! Be sure to watch church bulletins and/or Facebook for the latest news!

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor) We’re called to be his witnesses, not lawyers or judges.

See the source image

Know your synod
Did you know that you support WELS ministries and missions with your offerings? Find out what’s happening in the many WELS world and home mission fields; see what ministries can help you and your congregation; get daily devotions and Bible readings; and subscribe to all the latest news from your synod. All of this is available on wels.net. Check it out today and bookmark it!

Interactive Faith online Bible study
The next Interactive Faith series will begin Jan. 10, 2018, and run each Wednesday night at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. (central) through Feb. 7, 2018. Rev. Daniel Habben, St. John’s, Saint John, Antigua, will lead the study titled “Isaiah: God confronts and comforts his people.” Learn more at wels.net/interactivefaith.

New subscription option for military devotions
WELS Military Services produces a weekly devotion written especially for people in the military and their families. Now, you can subscribe to have the devotions delivered to your inbox. Subscribe for the military devotions and more at wels.net/subscribe.

What’s happening in WELS?
Subscribe to the WELS Together e-newsletter to stay connected with your synod and its ministry. Also, don’t miss the twice-monthly videos, expanding on important and interesting synod news.

Connecting WELS members
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod offers several ways to connect members through social media: facebook.com/welslutherans, twitter.com/welstweets, Instagram.com/welslutherans, and vimeo.com/wels.

USHERS

Emmanuel January 21 Darrell Buchholz, Paul Wuerch, Jim Stuempges January 28 DuWayne Sommerfeld, Paul Dahlke, Joe Heller

St. John’s January 21 Dennis Wacholtz; Chief, Jim Eisermann, Corey Kaul, Jerre Duerr, Robin Smith January 28 (C) Jack Yates; Chief, Del Henke, Joe Zauner, Richard Freitag, Gerhardt Voigt

GREETERS TODAY Jon & Jean Sheller

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
1-14 1-17	59	139
SJ ALTAR COMMITTEE CONTACT JANUARY 2018	Diane Eisermann & Delores Cotte

Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website & Facebook link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321

Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com

Principal Tim Hemling (608) 745-2549

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Sandra Hemling (608) 745-2776

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

Bulletin- THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY JANUARY 14, 2018

January 11, 2018 Kerry

EMMANUEL AND ST. JOHN’S

Evangelical Lutheran Churches

Mecan and Montello, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

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THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

JANUARY 14, 2018

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY God shows himself and calls us to serve him

A PERSONAL PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP O Lord, our God: rule over the nations of earth and direct the affairs of this world so that your church may worship you in peace and joy. Through your Word and Sacrament, come to us. Forgive our sins, strengthen our faith, and help us live up to our high calling as your children. Amen.

ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY

“The Common Service” (hymnal page 15)

PASTOR’S GREETING

OPENING HYMN 82 “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise”

(printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

LITURGY (hymnal page 15, read & sung responsively)

PRAYER OF THE DAY

LITURGY (hymnal page 17b, read & sung responsively)

(Please be seated for the Scripture readings)

THE DAY’S BIBLE READING THEME

The Lord Calls Us to Serve

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (sermon text)

The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.

One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. ³The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel.

Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PSALM 67 (hymnal page 91, sung in unison)

EPISTLE LESSON 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

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

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

VERSE OF THE DAY Alleluia! He said to me, “You are my servant in whom I will display my splendor.” Alleluia. (Isaiah 49:3)

LITURGY (hymnal page 18, all sing)

“Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! ”

(Please stand)

After the announcement of the Gospel, all sing:

“Glory be to you, O Lord!”

GOSPEL John 1:43-51

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

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

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

“Come and see,” said Philip.

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

“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.

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

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

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

After the Gospel, all sing:

“Praise be to you, O Christ!”

NICENE CREED (hymnal page 18b, all read)

(Please be seated)

At Emmanuel, all children ages 2-6 are invited to Nursery Sunday School in the parish hall.

SERMON HYMN 283 “Speak, O Savior; I Am Listening”

(printed in hymnal, all sing)

SERMON 1 Samuel 3:1-10

“The Lord Is Speaking. Who’s Listening?”

(Please stand after the sermon)

LITURGY (hymnal page 20, all sing)

“Create in me a clean heart, O God…”

(Please be seated)

OFFERING, WORSHIPER GREETINGS & FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS

(Please stand)

OFFERING PRAYER

EPIPHANY SEASON PRAYER (hymnal page 124, read responsively)

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and others facing trials: George Alexander, Chuck Boetcher, Alexandria Buehrens (Bob & Carolyn’s great granddaughter), Bob & Carolyn Buehrens, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Marjorie Fabian, Mike Farrell, Donna Gatzke, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Millie Henke, Laurana Hoffman (Tim’s daughter), Drake Hunter (Bill & Cally’s grandson), Mary Isberner, Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Anna Madigan, Linda Malsack, Sherry Miller (Candace Sonnenberg’s sister), Marion Neuman (Marjorie Fabian’s sister), Wilma Rudolph, Bob Schrank, Becky Schulz (Kristen Cragin’s sister), Tim Schultz, Roger Stellick (Doug’s uncle), Linda Lou Wacholtz, Bob Wegner – (added this week: )
– For Marla Ohrmundt called by St. John’s voters on 1/7 to serve as Little Lambs pre-school director through the end of the school year
– For our communicants at St. John’s

LORD’S PRAYER (hymnal page 20b)

NOTE: AT SUNDAY ST. JOHN’S…

HOLY COMMUNION LITURGY (hymnal page 21, read & sung responsively)

(Please be seated for holy communion)

Our church follows the historic and widespread Christian practice of closed Communion. We ask that only members of Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church and St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church or another congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) partake of the sacrament. We follow this practice because the Bible teaches it and because we love you. Please speak with the pastor if you have any questions.

DISTRIBUTION HYMN 38 “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(After the distribution, please stand)

SONG OF SIMEON, CLOSING PRAYER, & BLESSING (hymnal pages 24-25)

(Please be seated)

CLOSING HYMN 367 “Christ Be My Leader” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

NOTE: AT EMMANUEL & WEDNESDAY ST. JOHN’S…

LITURGY (hymnal page 25)

(Please be seated)

HYMN 458 “May We Your Precepts, Lord, Fulfill” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

CLOSING PRAYER & BLESSING (hymnal page 25b)

(Please be seated)

CLOSING HYMN 367 “Christ Be My Leader” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for next Sunday (1/21):

The Third Sunday after the Epiphany: The Lord’s Call Changes Hearts and Lives

Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK JANUARY 14-JANUARY 20
Sun.	8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship
	8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
	8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
	9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study
	10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.	6:30 P.M.		Senior Choir at St. John’s
	7:30 P.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.
Wed.	10:00 A.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
	1:40 P.M.		St. John’s School/Little Lambs early dismissal
	2:15 P.M.		Public School Teen Confirmation class at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		St. John’s Worship
	7:30 P.M.		Bible Information Class at St. John’s
Thurs.	6:00 P.M.		Griefshare at St. John’s lower level begins (13 weeks)
	7:00 P.M.		St. John’s Council meeting
Fri.
Sat.
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 The Third Sunday after the Epiphany: The Lord’s Call Changes Hearts and Lives
8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship
8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship
11:15 A.M.		New member dinner at St. John’s

MEMORIAL In loving memory of Sierra Lynn Prater, $200.00 was given to St. John’s church by Wade and Melissa Prater. Thank you for your gift.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN-UP The signup sheet is located in the church link way. Please sign up if you wish to have a copy of your 2017 offering statement.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS at Emmanuel & St. John’s since December 14, 2015! You will be guests at a Welcome Dinner on Sunday, January 21, beginning at approximately 11:15 a.m. following the St. John’s worship service. Your hosts will be the members & families of the St. John’s Accessibility Task Force, St. John’s Shepherd Team, Emmanuel Council & Leaders, and Pastor & Mrs. Zietlow. New members, you should have received personal invitations in the mail. Your RSVP is kindly requested, by Sunday, January 14, to help us with food preparation. Please call Elsa Russell 608-297-2731 or James & Linda Wachholz 608-297-7109 or 608-369-2635.

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS pastor) Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.

See the source image

USHERS

Emmanuel January 14 Wayne Stelter, Glenn Buchholz, DuWayne Sommerfeld, January 21 Darrell Buchholz, Paul Wuerch, Jim Stuempges January 28 DuWayne Sommerfeld, Paul Dahlke, Joe Heller

St. John’s January 14 (C) James Wachholz; Chief, Martin Schmanke, Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall, Chuck Boetcher, January 21 Dennis Wacholtz; Chief, Jim Eisermann, Corey Kaul, Jerre Duerr, Robin Smith January 28 (C) Jack Yates; Chief, Del Henke, Joe Zauner, Richard Freitag, Gerhardt Voigt

GREETERS TODAY Sara Borck & Jennie Utke

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
1-7 1-10	62	150 7
SJ ALTAR COMMITTEE CONTACT JANUARY 2018	Diane Eisermann & Delores Cotte

Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website & Facebook link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321

Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com

Principal Tim Hemling (608) 745-2549

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Sandra Hemling (608) 745-2776

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

January 7, 2018 Bulletin- Reformation 500-Faith Alone

January 5, 2018 Kerry

St. John’s & Emmanuel

Evangelical Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

$C:\Users\secretary\Downloads\Faith--bulletin cover.jpg$

Reformation 500-Faith Alone

January 7, 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!

+ GATHERING +

OPENING PRAYER “We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight”

Printed below 756

1 We walk by faith and not by sight; No gracious words we hear

From him who spoke as none e’er spoke, But we believe him near.

2 We may not touch his hands and side Nor follow where he trod,

But in his promise we rejoice And cry, “My Lord and God!”

3 Help then, O Lord, our unbelief, And may our faith abound

To call on you when you are near And seek where you are found.

4 For you, O resurrected Lord, Are found in means divine:

Beneath the water and the Word, Beneath the bread and wine.

5 Lord, when our life of faith is done, In realms of clearer light,

We may behold you as you are With full and endless sight.

Text: Henry Alford, 1810–1871, alt.

PLEASE STAND

INVOCATION Matthew 28:19

M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

CONFESSION

M: Dear friends, let us approach God with a true heart and confess our sins, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us.

C: Lord of life, I confess that I am by nature dead in sin. For faithless worrying and selfish pride, for sins of habit and sins of choice, for the evil I have done and the good I have failed to do, you should cast me away from your presence forever. O Lord, I am sorry for my sins. Forgive me, for Jesus’ sake.

M: Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again. In his great mercy, God made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in our sins. Hear the word of Christ through his called servant: I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

EXHORTATION

M: Now let us give thanks to the Lord our God, who by his nativity freed us from the devil’s power. Therefore it is right that we forever sing with the angels: “Glory to God in the highest!”

GLORY BE TO GOD Printed on insert

With tune of Christian Worship 21, 38

PRAYER (spoken together)

ALL: O Holy Spirit, by the power of the gospel you created faith in our hearts–faith in Jesus as our only Savior and faith to live as his disciples. Never let us doubt that you have the power to do what you have promised. Instead strengthen our faith as we grow in your Word. And finally, lead us by faith to the eternal Promised Land. Amen.

BE SEATED

+ THE WORD +

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Genesis 15:1-6

God had made promises to Abram that sounded impossible, including the birth of a son to this senior citizen and his infertile wife. At this point Abram and Sarai had no son. But Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord credited his faith to him as righteousness. By faith in Jesus we have his righteousness credited to us, and so we are also saved by faith.

After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:

“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”

But Abram said, “Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”

Then the word of the LORD came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

M: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 27

Christian Worship page 75

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Romans 4:13-25

Abraham believed in the God who calls things that are not as though they were, the God who has power to do what he has promised. The righteousness that was credited to Abraham by faith is credited to us who believe in God, who raised Jesus from the dead.

It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had 1/7/2018: Faith power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

M: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PLEASE STAND

GOSPEL Matthew 16:13-19

As Peter followed Jesus, he became more and more convinced that Jesus is the Son of God and the Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah, who was to come into the world. Jesus told Peter that his faith in the person and work of Jesus was revealed to him by God the Father. In this text Peter clearly confesses his faith in who Jesus is and in the saving work Jesus came to do.

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

GOSPEL RESPONSE

M: The Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise be to you, O Christ!

PLEASE BE SEATED

At Emmanuel, all children ages 2-6 are invited to Nursery Sunday School in the parish hall.

HYMN OF THE DAY “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”

Christian Worship 402

SERMON TEXT Hebrews 11:1,2,8-12

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

SERMON “Believing Is Seeing”

That God uses his power for me
That God has prepared a better home for me

PLEASE STAND

APOSTLES’ CREED (sung together, see insert)

PLEASE BE SEATED

OFFERING

We gather an offering to support the Lord’s work that we do here and around the world. This is very important to us. If you are visiting us today, please do not feel that you must participate in the offering. You are our guest!

PLEASE STAND

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)
– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and others facing trials: George Alexander, Bill Aumann, Chuck Boetcher, Alexandria Buehrens (Bob & Carolyn’s great granddaughter), Bob & Carolyn Buehrens, Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Mike Farrell, Donna Gatzke, Lori Gerth (Marvis Wegner’s sister), Millie Henke, Laurana Hoffman (Tim’s daughter), LuAnn Hoffman-Reber, Drake Hunter (Bill & Cally’s grandson), Mary Isberner, Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Anna Madigan, Linda Malsack, Sherry Miller (Candace Sonnenberg’s sister), Marion Neuman (Marjorie Fabian’s sister), Marolyn Riemer, Wilma Rudolph, Bob Schrank, Becky Schulz (Kristen Cragin’s sister), Jordan Scott (Debbie Parrish’s grandson), Roger Stellick (Doug’s uncle), Jennifer Strauss, Linda Lou Wacholtz, Bob Wegner – (added this week: )
– For our communicants at Emmanuel
– For today’s Divine Call meeting at St. John’s

PRAYERS

M: Let us pray to the Lord for the Christian church on earth and for all people everywhere.

M: For all who gather here today and for our entire congregation, that through the gospel the Lord would give us growth in faith and increase our love:

C: We ask you to bless us, O Lord.

M: For the spreading of the gospel throughout the world; for all pastors, missionaries, and their families, that they may boldly proclaim Christ to the nations:

C: We ask you to hear us, O Lord.

M: For the promises you have made to us and the trust you seek from us; for the faith you have given your people to believe in the saving work of our Savior Jesus; and for the Spirit’s power to be faithful in the ministry you have given us to do, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain:

C: We magnify your name, O Lord.

M: For the people of our country; for the Lord’s blessings on our work; for those seeking employment; for good health; and for good weather:

C: We beg for your mercy, O Lord.

M: For all who are sick in body or mind; for the hungry and the homeless; for those who are in prison; for those who are dying and those who are mourning:

C: We ask you to help them according to your will, O Lord.

M: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.

Silent prayer.

M: All this we ask, O Father, through your Son, Jesus Christ, who has taught us to pray:

THE LORD’S PRAYER (read together)

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.

PLEASE BE SEATED

Note: At Emmanuel…

HOLY COMMUNION Liturgy page 33 (sung & read responsively)

DISTRIBUTION HYMN “O Living Bread from Heaven”

Christian Worship 314

At Emmanuel & St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Churches we believe that participation in the Lord’s Supper is both a confession of faith and an expression of our unity in that faith. When you commune with us you are saying that you agree with our teachings about the Lord’s Supper and all the other teachings of the Bible. If you have never communed with us before, we ask that you speak with our pastor to learn how you can establish a communing fellowship with us. We are eager to enjoy that fellowship with you!

BENEDICTION 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17

M: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” Amen.

CLOSING HYMN “This Is the Threefold Truth” Christian Worship 406

Note: At St. John’s…

BENEDICTION 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17

CLOSING HYMN “This Is the Threefold Truth” Christian Worship 406

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for next Sunday (1/14):

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany: The Lord Calls Us to Serve

Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK JANUARY 7-JANUARY 13
Sun.	8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship with communion
	8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
	8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
	9:00 A.M.		E/SJ Adult Bible Study begins “James-Concrete Christianity”
	10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship
	11:15 A.M.		Call meeting at St. John’s
Mon.	6:00 P.M.		Hands in Prayer meeting at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		Senior Choir at St. John’s
	7:30 P.M.		Adult Bible Study begins at St. John’s “Your Questions, Scriptures Answers”
Tues.	8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Elders meeting
	7:00 P.M.		Lutheran School meeting at St. John’s- Princeton
Wed.			SJS/LL NO EARLY DISMISSAL
	10:00 A.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s begins “Your Questions, Scriptures Answers”
	2:15 P.M.		NO Public School Teen Confirmation class at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		St. John’s Worship
	7:30 P.M.		Bible Information Class at St. John’s
Thurs.	10:00 A.M.		Montello Care Center Devotion
	6:00 P.M.		St. John’s School Board meeting
Fri.			SJS/LL NO SCHOOL
Sat.
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 2018 The Second Sunday after the Epiphany: The Lord Calls Us to Serve
8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship
8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship with communion

MEMORIAL Donald Witt gave a $200 donation to Emmanuel General Fund, in memory of his parents, Rose and Arden Witt. Thank You!

THANK YOU for lifting us up in prayer. All your prayers have carried us through Robert’s surgery and recovery. “Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!” Chronicles 16:8 -Robert & Bernice Wegner

LITTLE LAMBS DIRECTOR CALL MEETING Our current Little Lambs director, Sandy Hemling, has asked to step down from her position as Little Lambs director. The school board has requested from our WELS Northern Wisconsin District President, Pastor Joel Zank, a list of candidates to be reviewed at a Call meeting scheduled for Sunday 1/7/18 at 11:30 a.m. We thank Sandy Hemling for her faithful service and willingness to continue serving part-time in coming months until her position as Little Lambs director is filled.

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN-UP The signup sheet is located in the church link way. Please sign up if you wish to have a copy of your 2017 offering statement.

ARE YOU HIP?! HANDS IN PRAYER meeting will be held on Monday, January 8^th, in the church lower level. Come see what they are all about! HIP meets once a month to enjoy Christian fellowship and to crochet, knit, quilt, or tie prayer shawls (lap blankets) for others in our congregation that might need to be uplifted, are dealing with an illness, or who just need a little encouragement and support from the church family. Craftiness is not required. We are willing to teach anyone who might be interested. If you have questions, please call Bernice Wegner at 608-297-7185.

NEW WEEKDAY/EVE BIBLE CLASS Beginning January 2018, we’ll be starting a new weekday/eve Bible Study entitled: “Your Questions–Scriptures Answers: Adiaphora” (things that God doesn’t command or forbid in the Bible and how we are to properly use our Christian freedom). We meet at St. John’s in the pastor’s office/conference room Monday 7:30pm (beginning 1/8) and Wednesday 10am (beginning 1/10). “Therefore let us leave the elementery teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…” (Hebrews 6:1)

USHERS

Emmanuel: January 7 (C) Lucas Stelter, Warren Buchholz, Don Stelter, communion assistant: Wayne Stelter, January 14 Wayne Stelter, Glenn Buchholz, DuWayne Sommerfeld, January 21 Darrell Buchholz, Paul Wuerch, Jim Stuempges January 28 DuWayne Sommerfeld, Paul Dahlke, Joe Heller

St. John’s: January 7 Cal Kapp; Chief, Martin Schmanke, Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall, Chuck Boetcher, January 14 (C) James Wachholz; Chief, Martin Schmanke, Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall, Chuck Boetcher, January 21 Dennis Wacholtz; Chief, Jim Eisermann, Corey Kaul, Jerre Duerr, Robin Smith January 28 (C) Jack Yates; Chief, Del Henke, Joe Zauner, Richard Freitag, Gerhardt Voigt

GREETERS TODAY Susan Brown & LuAnn Zieman

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
12-31 12-31 7pm 1-1 9am 1-3	27 20	46 95 5
SJ ALTAR COMMITTEE CONTACT JANUARY 2018	Diane Eisermann & Delores Cotte

Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website & Facebook link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321

Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com

Principal Tim Hemling (608) 745-2549

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Sandra Hemling (608) 745-2776

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

Bulletin for NEW YEAR’S EVE/DAY DECEMBER 31, 2017 & JANUARY 1, 2018

December 28, 2017December 28, 2017 Kerry

ST. JOHN’S & EMMANUEL

Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

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NEW YEAR’S EVE/DAY

DECEMBER 31, 2017 & JANUARY 1, 2018

A PERSONAL PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP

Help us, O Lord, for now we enter

Upon another year today.

In you our hopes and thoughts now center;

Renew our courage for the way.

New life, new strength, new happiness

We ask of you, oh, hear and bless. (Hymn 70:1)

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Jesus Comes to Save Us, Even as an Infant – Whether or not we had a “good Christmas,” as some may ask us, today over and over we hear good news of God’s grace.

ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY

“Service of the Word and Sacrament” (hymnal page 26)

PASTOR’S GREETING

OPENING HYMN 441:1-4 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

LITURGY (hymnal page 26, read & sung responsively)

(Please be seated for the day’s Bible readings)

OLD TESTAMENT Psalm 90

A Prayer of Moses, the man of God

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You turn men back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, O sons of men.” For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning- though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered.

We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. The length of our days is seventy years- or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Relent, O Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands.

PSALM 145 (hymnal page 119, sung in unison)

EPISTLE 1 Peter 1:22-25 (today’s sermon text)

Born Anew For the New Year

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For,

“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.

VERSE OF THE DAY (hymnal page 30, all sing)

“Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written…”

(Please stand)

GOSPEL: Luke 12:22-34

Do Not Worry

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

After the Gospel, all sing:

“Praise be to you, O Christ!”

(Please be seated)

SERMON HYMN 69 “Help Us, O Lord, for Now We Enter” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

SERMON: 1 Peter 1:22-25

“Change in the New Year”

1. What has changed

2. What needs to change

3. What never changes

HYMN 551: 1-2 “For All the Saints” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

READING OF THE NAMES OF OUR 2017 SAINTS TRIUMPHANT (Emmanuel and St. John’s members called home this past year)

Name	To heaven	Age
Arlowayne Wegner	January 4	91
Don Schumann	February 13	90
Mary Raymond	March 8	81
Frieda Wachholz-Ritchie	March 19	99
Pat Ewert	March 30	84

HYMN 551: 3-4 “For All the Saints” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

Name	To heaven	Age
George Raymond	April 5	83
Henry Vierow	May 27	88
Marolyn Warner	July 18	79
Dorothy Klawitter	July 24	79
Don Werdin	August 2	84

HYMN 551: 5-6 “For All the Saints” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

Name	To heaven	Age
Bob Mateske	August 30	91
Gene Boville	October 9	89
Carolyn Smart	October 18	82
Alice John	November 6	95
Walter Bubolz	November 16	99

HYMN 551: 7-8 “For All the Saints” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

(Please stand)

NICENE CREED (hymnal page 31, read responsively)

(Please be seated)

OFFERING, GREETINGS, FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS,

OFFERING PRAYER

(Please stand)

NEW YEAR PRAYER (read by pastor)

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)
– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and others facing trials: George Alexander, Bill Aumann, Chuck Boetcher, Alexandria Buehrens (Bob & Carolyn’s great granddaughter), Bob & Carolyn Buehrens, Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Mavis DeWitt, Susan DeWitt (Mavis’ daughter-in-law), Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Mike Farrell, Jaedan Gain (Ed & Marlene Buchholz’s great grandson), Donna Gatzke, Lori Gerth (Marvis Wegner’s sister), Millie Henke, Laurana Hoffman (Tim’s daughter), LuAnn Hoffman-Reber, Drake Hunter (Bill & Cally’s grandson), Mary Isberner, Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Anna Madigan, Linda Malsack, Sherry Miller (Candace Sonnenberg’s sister), Marion Neuman (Marjorie Fabian’s sister), Marolyn Riemer, Wilma Rudolph, Bob Schrank, Becky Schulz (Kristen Cragin’s sister), Jordan Scott (Debbie Parrish’s grandson), Roger Stellick (Doug’s uncle), Jennifer Strauss, Dennis Umland (Harold Fandrey’s brother), Linda Lou Wacholtz, Bob Wegner – (added this week: Bob Buehrens)
– For Gordon & Marjorie Fabian who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday (12/30)

LORD’S PRAYER (hymnal page 32b)

HOLY COMMUNION LITURGY (hymnal page 33, sung & read responsively)

(Please be seated for holy communion)

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

DISTRIBUTION HYMN 310:1-6 “I Come, O Savior, to Your Table”(printed in hymnal, all sing)

(After the distribution, please stand)

LITURGY (hymnal page 36)

(Please be seated)

CLOSING HYMN 441:5,6 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”(printed in hymnal, all sing)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for next Sunday (1/7):

The Sunday after Christmas–New Year’s Eve: Jesus Shared Our Humanity

Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 6
Sun.	8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship
	8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
	8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
	10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship
	7:00 P.M.		St. John’s Candlelight Memorial/New Year’s Eve Worship with communion
Mon.	9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel memorial/New Year’s Day Worship with communion
Tues.	8:00 A.M.		SJS classes resume
	9:00 A.M.		Elder’s meeting at St. John’s
Wed.	10:00 A.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s begins
	1:40 P.M.		SJS/LL Early dismissal
	2:15 P.M.		Public School Teen Confirmation class at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		St. John’s Worship
	7:30 P.M.		Bible Information Class at St. John’s begins
Thurs.	12:00 P.M.		Ladies Aid lunch & meeting
Fri.
Sat.
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 2018 The Sunday after Christmas–New Year’s Eve: Jesus Shared Our Humanity
8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship with communion
8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN-UP The signup sheet is located in the church link way. Please sign up if you wish to have a copy of your 2017 offering statement.

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING ENVELOPES 2018 are located in the link way of church. Please pick yours up but do not use until January 2018. If you do not have a box, feel free to contact pastor or the office and we will get one to you!

EMMANUEL SUNDAY BIBLE CLASS will resume January 7, 2018 at 9:00a.m.

NEW YEAR’S EVE LOCK-IN All 6th-12th graders are invited to our youth group’s 3rd annual NYE lock-in. Enjoy an evening of fun & games, movies, not to mention lots of snacks & food. We will begin after St. John’s New Years Eve service, concluding at 9 am on NY’s day. For more details, or to sign up, call or text us at 608-697-1600(Mark)or 608-697-3327(Patty). Deadline to sign up is December 27.

NEW YEAR’S EVE/DAY COMMUNION/SAINTS TRIUMPHANT SERVICES Sunday 12/31 7pm at St. John’s and Monday 1/1 9am at Emmanuel, communion services are scheduled where the names of our E/SJ members called to their heavenly home in 2017 will be read and bells tolled. “For all the saints who from their labors rest…” (Hymn 551)

INTERACTIVE FAITH Adult Discipleship offers LIVE online Bible studies for use by congregations, small groups, or individuals to serve as a mid-week Bible study. Gather at your church or around the computer to join in fellowship and learn about the Bible with brothers and sisters in faith from around the country.

Daniel Habben, pastor at St. John, St. John’s, Antigua, will lead the next interactive faith Bible study starting in January. Entitled “Isaiah: God confronts and comforts his people,” the study will cover the first 12 chapters of Isaiah. “ ‘A virgin will be with child . . . and he was pierced for our transgressions.’ Seven hundred years before the arrival of God’s Son into our world, the Holy Spirit worked especially hard through the prophet Isaiah to get the people of his day to turn from their sin and embrace their Savior-God,” says Habben. “Through the words of Isaiah, God still confronts and comforts his people.”

The study will be streamed Wednesdays at 6 and 8 p.m. CT, from Jan. 10–Feb. 7, 2018.

When: Wednesday’s Jan. 10 – Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. (central)

Who: Rev. Daniel Habben

What:“Isaiah: God confronts and comforts his people”

Study guides will be available in January.

For more information, visit the website: https://wels.net/serving-you/christian-life/adult-discipleship/interactive-faith/

CHURCH WEBSITE Thank you Kerry and Jen Mann for the work on our church website: www.stjohnsmontello.org. Your comments and suggestions for improvement are welcomed: 414-339-9031 – kerry@inmarketsuccess.com

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS 12/3 at Emmanuel: Josh & Amanda Kuchar and son Weston, 12/10 at St. John’s: Adam Myers & Jennifer Strauss – A new “Bible Information Class” will begin on Wed 1/3/18 at 7:30pm in pastor’s office/conference room at St. John’s. Alternate days/times can also be scheduled. Free study guides are available from pastor…just ask.

NEW WEEKDAY/EVE BIBLE CLASS Beginning January 2018, we’ll be starting a new weekday/eve Bible Study entitled: “Your Questions–Scriptures Answers: Adiaphora” (things that God doesn’t command or forbid in the Bible and how we are to properly use our Christian freedom). We meet at St. John’s in the pastor’s office/conference room Monday 7:30pm (beginning 1/8) and Wednesday 10am (beginning 1/3). “Therefore let us leave the elementery teachings about Chrsit and go on to maturity…” (Hebrews 6:1)

In addition to our regular St. John’s Sunday 10:00 a.m. and Emmanuel 8:00 a.m. services, please see our special Christmas Service schedule below. God bless you this Christmas season!

Sunday, December 31, 2017	7:00 p.m.	New Year’s Eve Service at St. John’s with communion
Monday, January 1, 2018	9:00 a.m.	New Year’s Day service at Emmanuel with communion

USHERS

Emmanuel: December 31 New Year’s Eve Lucas Stelter, Paul Wuerch, DuWayne Sommerfeld January 1 New Year’s Day (C) 9:00am Brian Ninneman, Bob Ferber, Joe Heller, communion assistant: Wayne Stelter, January 1 New Year’s Day (C) Brian Ninneman, Bob Ferber, Joe Heller, communion assistant: Wayne Stelter, January 7 (C) Lucas Stelter, Warren Buchholz, Don Stelter, communion assistant: Wayne Stelter

St. John’s: December 31 New Year’s Eve Don Smith; Chief, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls, Mark Emond, Kevin Kaul, December 31 New Year’s Eve Candlelight (C) 7:00pm Kenon Smith; Chief, Scott Ritz, James Kunde, Ken Borzick, Thomas Wojtalewicz, January 7 Cal Kapp; Chief, Martin Schmanke, Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall, Chuck Boetcher

GREETERS TODAY Paul & Christa Van Treeck

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
12-23E 12-24 12-24 Candle. 12-25 12-27	150 30 79 79	91 124 0
ST. JOHN’S ALTAR COMMITTEE CONTACT DECEMBER 2017	Jennie Utke & Susan Brown

Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website & Facebook link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321

Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com

Principal Tim Hemling (608) 745-2549

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Sandra Hemling (608) 745-2776

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

Bulletin- THE FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 31, 2017

December 28, 2017December 28, 2017 Kerry

EMMANUEL and ST. JOHN’S

Evangelical Lutheran Churches

Mecan and Montello, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

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THE FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 31, 2017

THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS On the Sundays after Christmas we stop to PONDER and PROCLAIM. With Mary at the manger we ponder the meaning of the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, the Savior. With the shepherds in from the fields we witness the miracle in Bethlehem, then spread the good news of great joy for all people–Jesus Christ the Savior is born!

A PERSONAL PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP O Lord–my Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter–I have come before you to hear your holy Word. Open my heart by your Holy Spirit, that through the preaching of your Word I may repent of my sins, believe in Jesus, and grow day by day in grace and holiness. Hear me for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Jesus Comes to Save Us, Even as an Infant – Whether or not we had a “good Christmas,” as some may ask us, today over and over we hear good news of God’s grace.

ORDER OF SERVICE–LITURGY

“Morning Praise” (hymnal page 45)

PASTOR’S GREETING

(Please stand)

MORNING HYMN (hymnal page 45, all sing)

LITURGY (hymnal page 45b, read & sung responsively)

(Please be seated for today’s scripture readings)

SCRIPTURE READING THEME

New Year’s Eve: Jesus Shared Our Humanity

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 45:20-25 (sermon text)

In the Lord all the descendants of Israel will be found righteous and will exalt

“Gather together and come; assemble, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save. Declare what is to be, present it– let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me.

“Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. They will say of me, `In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.'” All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame. But in the LORD all the descendants of Israel will be found righteous and will exult.

PSALM 111 (hymnal page 106, all read verses in unison, all sing refrain in unison)

EPISTLE LESSON Colossians 3:12-17

Live as God’s chosen people

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

VERSE OF THE DAY Alleluia. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Alleluia.

(Please stand)

GOSPEL LESSON Luke 2:25-40

Simeon and Anna lived as God’s people

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

(Please be seated)

At Emmanuel, all children ages 2-6 are invited to Nursery Sunday School in the parish hall.

CHILDREN’S SERMON

SERMON HYMN 77 “In His Temple Now Behold Him”

(printed in hymnal, all sing)

SERMON Isaiah 45:22-25

A Turn for the Better

Possibly only through our Lord
Available to all people

3. Accomplished for our salvation

(Please stand after the sermon)

LITURGY (hymnal page 48, all sing)

(Please be seated)

OFFERING, WORSHIPER GREETINGS & FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS

OFFERING PRAYER

(Please stand)

PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR (read by pastor)

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and others facing trials: George Alexander, Bill Aumann, Chuck Boetcher, Alexandria Buehrens (Bob & Carolyn’s great granddaughter), Bob & Carolyn Buehrens, Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown, Agnes Dassow, Mavis DeWitt, Susan DeWitt (Mavis’ daughter-in-law), Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Mike Farrell, Jaedan Gain (Ed & Marlene Buchholz’s great grandson), Donna Gatzke, Lori Gerth (Marvis Wegner’s sister), Millie Henke, Laurana Hoffman (Tim’s daughter), LuAnn Hoffman-Reber, Drake Hunter (Bill & Cally’s grandson), Mary Isberner, Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Anna Madigan, Linda Malsack, Sherry Miller (Candace Sonnenberg’s sister), Marion Neuman (Marjorie Fabian’s sister), Marolyn Riemer, Wilma Rudolph, Bob Schrank, Becky Schulz (Kristen Cragin’s sister), Jordan Scott (Debbie Parrish’s grandson), Roger Stellick (Doug’s uncle), Jennifer Strauss, Dennis Umland (Harold Fandrey’s brother), Linda Lou Wacholtz, Bob Wegner – (added this week: Bob Buehrens)
– For Gordon & Marjorie Fabian who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary yesterday (12/30)

LITURGY (hymnal page 50, all sing)

LORD’S PRAYER (hymnal page 50b, all read)

(Please be seated)

HYMN 78:1-3 “O Light of Gentile Nations” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

PRAYER FOR GRACE AND BLESSING (hymnal page 50c-51)

CLOSING HYMN 78:4 “O Light of Gentile Nations” (printed in hymnal, all sing)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for next Sunday (1/7):

Reformation 500 “Faith Alone”

Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 6
Sun.	8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship
	8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
	8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
	10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship
	7:00 P.M.		St. John’s Candlelight Memorial/New Year’s Eve Worship with communion
Mon.	9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel memorial/New Year’s Day Worship with communion
Tues.	8:00 A.M.		SJS classes resume
	9:00 A.M.		Elder’s meeting at St. John’s
Wed.	10:00 A.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s begins
	1:40 P.M.		SJS/LL Early dismissal
	2:15 P.M.		Public School Teen Confirmation class at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		St. John’s Worship
	7:30 P.M.		Bible Information Class at St. John’s begins
Thurs.	12:00 P.M.		Ladies Aid lunch & meeting
Fri.
Sat.
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 2018 Reformation 500 “Faith Alone”
8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship with communion
8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship
11:15 A.M.		Call meeting at St. John’s

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN-UP The signup sheet is located in the church link way. Please sign up if you wish to have a copy of your 2017 offering statement.

EMMANUEL SUNDAY BIBLE CLASS will resume January 7, 2018 at 9:00a.m.

The study will be streamed Wednesdays at 6 and 8 p.m. CT, from Jan. 10–Feb. 7, 2018.

When: Wednesday’s Jan. 10 – Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. (central)

Who: Rev. Daniel Habben

What:“Isaiah: God confronts and comforts his people”

Study guides will be available in January.

For more information, visit the website: https://wels.net/serving-you/christian-life/adult-discipleship/interactive-faith/

NEW WEEKDAY/EVE BIBLE CLASS Beginning January 2018, we’ll be starting a new weekday/eve Bible Study entitled: “Your Questions–Scriptures Answers: Adiaphora” (things that God doesn’t command or forbid in the Bible and how we are to properly use our Christian freedom). We meet at St. John’s in the pastor’s office/conference room Monday 7:30pm (beginning 1/8) and Wednesday 10am (beginning 1/3). “Therefore let us leave the elementery teachings about Chrsit and go on to maturity…” (Hebrews 6:1)

In addition to our regular St. John’s Sunday 10:00 a.m. and Emmanuel 8:00 a.m. services, please see our special Christmas Service schedule below. God bless you this Christmas season!

Sunday, December 31, 2017	7:00 p.m.	New Year’s Eve Service at St. John’s with communion
Monday, January 1, 2018	9:00 a.m.	New Year’s Day service at Emmanuel with communion

USHERS

GREETERS TODAY Paul & Christa Van Treeck

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
12-23E 12-24 12-24 Candle. 12-25 12-27	150 30 79 79	91 124 0
ST. JOHN’S ALTAR COMMITTEE CONTACT DECEMBER 2017	Jennie Utke & Susan Brown

Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website & Facebook link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321

Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com

Principal Tim Hemling (608) 745-2549

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Sandra Hemling (608) 745-2776

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

Bulletin for December 24 & 25, 2017

December 22, 2017December 22, 2017 Kerry

St. John’s & Emmanuel

Evangelical Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

Image result for christmas albrecht durer

THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD

A Reformation Christmas

December 24 & 25, 2017

AS WE GATHER

With great joy we celebrate today the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. The word incarnation comes from the Latin, meaning “to be made flesh.” God wrapped himself in the flesh and blood of his own human creation and humbled himself to be born of the virgin Mary. Whether our mental images of this event are shaped by the warm glow of softly lit manger scenes and quiet Christmas carols, or whether we think of the rough, simple, and humble starkness of our Lord’s birth, attended by angels and working shepherds, the message is the same: Christ the Savior is born! Let us rejoice and celebrate!

ABOUT THE SERVICE

Christmas is the last Christian festival in the calendar year in which we commemorate the 500^th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. As with previous special services in Lutheran churches in 2017, much has been said by and about Martin Luther. This service is no exception. And yet they have never emphasized the man; it’s always been his message. And that message is that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone according to the Scriptures alone. Luther himself admitted, “I have done nothing; the Word has done and accomplished everything.… I let the Word do its work!” Even though today’s service contains many Luther quotes and hymns, they always point to Christ and his Word. We pray that the Holy Spirit will use that Word today to do its work of nurturing and saving souls.

+ GATHERING +

OPENING HYMN Now Sing We, Now Rejoice

Christian Worship 34

remain seated

INVOCATION Matthew 28:19

M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS

We sustained a hurt through Adam’s fall. Through it all of us are tainted with sins and subject to death. But greater than this hurt is the blessing we receive through Christ. He became man himself in order to redeem us from sin and death. The devil came close to us; but he did not come so close as to assume our nature. For although he fell through pride and thereupon persuaded man also to fall away from God, he nevertheless did not become man and did not come so close to us as did God’s Son, who became our flesh and blood. What Luther Says, 456

CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS OF SINS

M: God invites us to come into his presence and worship him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us acknowledge our sinfulness and ask him to forgive us.

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.

CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS

Behold Christ lying in the lap of his young mother, still a virgin. What can be sweeter than the Babe, what more lovely than the mother! What fairer than her youth! What more gracious than her virginity! Look at the Child, knowing nothing. Yet all that is belongs to him, that your conscience should not fear but take comfort in him. Doubt nothing. Watch him springing in the lap of the maiden. Laugh with him. Look upon this Lord of Peace and your spirit will be at peace. See how God invites you in many ways. He places before you a Babe with whom you may take refuge. You cannot fear him, for nothing is more appealing to man than a babe. Are you affrighted? Then come to him, lying in the lap of the fairest and sweetest maid. You will see how great is the divine goodness, which seeks above all else that you should not despair. Trust him! Trust him! Here is the Child in whom is salvation. To me there is no greater consolation given to mankind than this, that Christ became man, a child, a babe, playing in the lap and at the breasts of his most gracious mother. Who is there whom this sight would not comfort? Now is overcome the power of sin, death, hell, conscience, and guilt, if you come to this gurgling Babe and believe that he is come, not to judge you, but to save. The Martin Luther Christmas Book, p40

EXHORTATION

M: Now let us give thanks to the Lord our God, who by his nativity freed us from the devil’s power. Therefore it is right that we forever sing with the angels: “Glory to God in the highest!”

HYMN OF PRAISE All Praise to You, Eternal God

Christian Worship 33

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

M: Let us pray: Almighty God, grant that the birth of your one and only Son in the flesh may set us free from our old bondage under the yoke of sin; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

+ THE WORD +

CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS

This is the word of the prophet: “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” This is for us the hardest point, not so much to believe that he is the son of the Virgin and God himself, as to believe that this Son of God is ours. That is where we wilt, but he who does feel it has become another man. Truly it is marvelous in our eyes that God should place a little child in the lap of a virgin and that all our blessedness should lie in him. And this Child belongs to all mankind. God feeds the whole world through a Babe nursing at Mary’s breast. This must be our daily exercise: to be transformed into Christ, being nourished by this food. Then will the heart be suffused with all joy and will be strong and confident against every assault. The Martin Luther Christmas Book, p23

FIRST LESSON Isaiah 9:2,6-7

²The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

⁶For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS

Ah, we poor people, to be so cold and sluggish in the face of the great joy that has clearly been prepared for us! This great benefaction exceeds by far all the other works of creation; and yet our faith in it is found to be so weak, although it is preached and sung to us by angels, who are heavenly theologians and who were so glad for our sake! Their song is very, very beautiful and describes the entire Christian religion. For giving glory to God in the highest heaven is the supreme worship. This they wish and bring us in the Christ. What Luther Says, 459

PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 98

Sing to the LORD a new song,*

for he has done marvelous things.

The LORD has made his salvation known*

and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel;*

all the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation of our God.

Refrain

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,*

burst into jubilant song with music;

make music to the LORD with the harp,*

with the harp and the sound of singing.

Shout for joy before the LORD, the King.*

He will judge the world in righteousness

and the peoples with equity.

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

CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS

It is not for the angels to be proud of Christ’s incarnation, for Christ did not assume an angelic but a human nature. Therefore it would not be a surprise if the angels looked at us with envy in their eyes because we human beings, creatures far inferior to them and sinners besides, are placed above them into an honor so high and great. They worship Christ, who has become our Brother, our flesh and blood; and yet they are not envious but gladly grant us the honor and are sincerely pleased by the fact that Christ is our Brother. They marvel at the human nature in Christ; and yet the honor and glory are not theirs but ours. Are we human beings unable to rejoice and be proud of it? What Luther Says, 458

SECOND LESSON Hebrews 1:1-9

1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,

“You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Psalm 2:7

Or again,

“I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chronicles 17:13

6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,

“Let all God’s angels worship him.” Deuteronomy 32:43

7 In speaking of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” Psalm 104:4

8 But about the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;

a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;

therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions

by anointing you with the oil of joy.” Psalm 45:6,7

CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS

The greatest treasure and the highest comfort we Christians have is the fact that the Word, the true, natural Son of God, has become a man who in every respect has flesh and blood as any other man has, and who has become man for our sake that we may be raised to the great glory of having our flesh and blood, our entire body, with all its parts and members, sit in heaven above, like God; that we may boldly defy the devil and whatever assails us. For now we are certain that our bodies belong in heaven and are heirs of the kingdom of heaven. What Luther Says, 455

STAND

GOSPEL John 1:1-14

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

⁹The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. ¹⁰He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. ¹¹He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. ¹²Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— ¹³children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

¹⁴The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

GOSPEL RESPONSE

M: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise be to you, O Christ!

be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY To Shepherds As They Watched by Night

Christian Worship 53

SERMON “Born to Save Us”

stand

EXPLANATION TO THE SECOND ARTICLE OF THE APOSTLES’ CREED

M: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, your Lord?

C: I believe that Jesus Christ,

true God, begotten of the Father from eternity,

and also true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord.

He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature,

purchased and won me from all sins, from death,

and from the power of the devil,

not with gold or silver but with his holy, precious blood

and with his innocent suffering and death.

All this he did that I should be his own,

and live under him in his kingdom,

and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness,

just as he has risen from death and lives and rules eternally.

This is most certainly true. Luther’s Small Catechism

be seated

OFFERING

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Based on quotations from Martin Luther

M: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

C: God wants us to pray, and he wants to hear our prayers—

not because we are worthy, but because he is merciful.

M: Lord Jesus, you descended from heaven into this humility and came to us in our flesh. You placed yourself into the womb of a virgin and into the manger and then went on to the cross. This was the ladder you placed on earth so that we might ascend to you on it.

C: No other God have I but thee—

Born in a manger, died on a tree.

M: O most merciful Father, you sent your only Son into the world and laid upon him the sins of all people, saying, “You be Peter that denier; Paul that persecutor, blasphemer and cruel oppressor; David that adulterer; that sinner who ate the apple in Paradise; that thief who hung upon the cross; and briefly, you be the person who has committed the sins of all people. See therefore that you pay and satisfy for them.”

C: Lord Jesus, you are my righteousness, I am your sin.

You have taken upon yourself what was mine and given me what was yours.

You became what you were not, that I might become what I was not.

M: As we celebrate the birth of Christ, help us pledge ourselves anew to the cause of Christ. Lead us to capture the spirit of the early church. Wherever the early Christians went, they made a triumphant witness for Christ. Whether on the village streets or in the city jails, they daringly proclaimed the good news of the gospel.

C: I’ll trust in God’s unchanging Word

Till soul and body sever;

For though all things shall pass away, “God’s Word Shall Stand Forever”

His Word shall stand forever. attr. to Luther

M: As we contemplate our Savior’s birth, should we think: “If I had only been there! How quick I would have been to help the Baby. I would have washed his linen. How happy I would have been to go with the shepherds to see the Lord lying in the manger!” Open our eyes to similar opportunities today as you lead us to see Christ in our neighbor.

M: Lord, grant that anger or other bitterness do not reign over us,

but that your grace, genuine kindness, loyalty,

and every kind of friendliness, generosity, and gentleness may reign in us.

M: The prosperity of a country depends, not on the abundance of its revenues, nor on the strength of its fortifications, nor on the beauty of its public buildings; but it consists in the number of its cultivated citizens, in its people of education, enlightenment and character.

C: Bless our country with a government that administers and upholds justice.

M: O Great Physician of soul and body, you are no doubt able to make those who are sick well and those who are suffering whole. If it is your will, heal them. Whether in sickness or in health, help them place all their confidence in you.

C: Therefore if we are sick, we are not sick unto ourselves;

if we are well, we are not well unto ourselves;

if we are in trouble, we are not in trouble unto ourselves;

if we are glad we are not glad unto ourselves. What Luther Says, 4121

For whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:8

M: As we celebrate the Lord’s Supper this festival day, it is the highest art to know that our Sacrament does not depend upon our worthiness. We are not baptized because we are worthy and holy. Nor do we go to Confession because we are pure and without sin. On the contrary, we go because we are poor, miserable people. We go exactly because we are unworthy. Large Catechism, V, par.61

C: Lord Jesus, with joy and gratitude I now come to your table

to receive the precious food of your life-giving body and blood.

May it strengthen me to remain in you as you remain in me,

so that I bear much fruit in devoted service to you

and in acts of kindness to others. Christian Worship, p156

Special prayers and intercessions may follow.

M: Hear us Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.

Silent prayer.

M: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy. Let us not flutter too high, but remain by the manger and the swaddling clothes of Christ, in whom all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form. Colossians 2:9

C: Unto him who is able to keep us from falling,

and lift us from the dark to the bright mountain of hope,

from the midnight of desperation to the daybreak of joy,

to him be power and authority for ever and ever. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER

M: Lord Jesus, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray:

C: Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory

forever and ever. Amen.

HYMN From Heaven Above to Earth I Come

Christian Worship 38: 14, 15

NOTE: At the 12/24 7:00pm service at St. John’s, individual candles will be distributed (Remember-don’t tip a lighted candle)

CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS

“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” That is wrong. We should correct this passage to read, “They went and shaved their heads, fasted, told their rosaries, and put on cowls.” Instead we read, “The shepherds returned.” Where to? To their sheep. Oh, that can’t be right! Did they not leave everything and follow Christ? Must not one forsake father and mother, wife and child, to be saved? But the Scripture says plainly that they returned and did exactly the same work as before. They did not despise their service, but took it up again where they left off with all fidelity and I tell you that no bishop on earth ever had so fine a crook as those shepherds.

The Martin Luther Christmas Book, p50

BLESSING Numbers 6:24-26

M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Return to your homes and families, your fields and flocks, your businesses and industries. 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.

The Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.

C: Amen.

CLOSING HYMN Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful

Christian Worship 55

MARTIN LUTHER AND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles if wood was scarce. It is a widely held belief that Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles.

“History of Christmas Trees”

history.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for next Sunday (12/31):

The Sunday after Christmas–New Year’s Eve: Jesus Shared Our Humanity

Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK DECEMBER 24-DECEMBER 30
Sun.	8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Christmas Eve Worship
	8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
	8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
	9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Adult Bible Study
	9:00 A.M.		Caroling at Montello Care Center
	10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Christmas Eve Worship
	7:00 P.M.		St. John’s “A Reformation Christmas” Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship
Mon.	9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Christmas Day “A Reformation Christmas” Worship
Tues.
Wed.	6:30 P.M.		St. John’s Worship with communion
Thurs.	10:00 A.M.		Montello Care Center Devotion with communion
	6:00 P.M.		Griefshare at St. John’s
Fri.
Sat.
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017 The Sunday after Christmas–New Year’s Eve: Jesus Shared Our Humanity
8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship
8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship
7:00 P.M.		St. John’s Candlelight Memorial/New Year’s Eve Worship with communion
Monday, 9:00A.M.		Emmanuel Memorial/New Year’s Day Worship with communion

LITTLE LAMBS DIRECTOR CALL MEETING Our current Little Lambs director, Sandy Hemling, has asked to step down from her position as Little Lambs director. The school board has requested from our WELS Northern Wisconsin District President, Pastor Joel Zank, a list of candidates to be reviewed at a Call meeting scheduled for Sunday 1/7/18 at 11:30 a.m. We thank Sandy Hemling for her faithful service and willingness to continue serving in coming months until her position as Little Lambs director is filled.

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN-UP The signup sheet is located in the church link way. Please sign up if you wish to have a copy of your 2017 offering statement.

EMMANUEL SUNDAY BIBLE CLASS will resume January 7, 2018 at 9:00a.m.

THANK YOU to Bob & Lynn Pegarsch for donating $1,500.00 to St. John’s Lutheran School. Your gift is appreciated! “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.” Psalm 7:17

See the source image

GRIEFSHARE Please join us at Griefshare! Griefshare is a grief recovery support group that is open to the public. Grief is a part of life, but it does not have to consume your life. Learn from a panel of experts and those who have walked down the road from mourning to joy! There is no charge for this class and light refreshments will also be served. Griefshare will be a 13 week long session, every Thursday at 6:00 pm. To sign up or if you have questions please call the facilitator, Mark Emond at 608-697-1600.

ALTAR FLOWERS If you are interested, we are always in need of altar flowers. Feel free to contact the church/school office!

WEDNESDAY ADVENT DEVOTIONS Please join us for our special Wednesday Advent Devotions: “Advent Equations” – 3:30pm at E & 6:30pm at SJ. Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

NEW WEEKDAY/EVE BIBLE CLASS Beginning January 2018, we’ll be starting a new weekday/eve Bible Study entitled: “Your Questions–Scriptures Answers: Adiaphora” (things that God doesn’t command or forbid in the Bible and how we are to properly use our Christian freedom). We meet at St. John’s in the pastor’s office/conference room Monday 7:30pm (beginning 1/8) and Wednesday 10am (beginning 1/3). “Therefore let us leave the elementery teachings about Chrsit and go on to maturity…” (Hebrews 6:1)

USHERS

Emmanuel: Today December 24 Christmas Eve Brian Ninneman, Jim Stuempges, Joe Heller, December 25 Christmas Day 9:00am Darrell Buchholz, Glenn Buchholz, Paul Dahlke, December 31 Lucas Stelter, Paul Wuerch, DuWayne Sommerfeld

St. John’s: Today December 24 (C) Christmas Eve Dennis Wacholtz, Richard Freitag, Gerhardt Voigt, Mitch Simon, Karl Whitrock, December 24 Candlelight Service 7:00pm Jack Yates; Chief, Matt Borzick, Glen Bubolz, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith, December 31 Don Smith, Chief, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls, Mark Emond, Kevin Kaul, December 31 (C) Candlelight New Year’s Eve Service Kenon Smith; Chief, Scott Ritz, James Kunde, Ken Borzick, Thomas Wojtalewicz

GREETERS TODAY Delvin & Jean Henke

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
12-17 12-17 LL 1 2-20 E 12-20 SJ	78 43	179 ? 22
ST. JOHN’S ALTAR COMMITTEE CONTACT DECEMBER 2017	Jennie Utke & Susan Brown

In addition to our regular St. John’s Sunday 10:00 a.m. and Emmanuel 8:00 a.m. services, please see our special Christmas Service schedule below. God bless you this Christmas season!

Sunday, December 24, 2017	7:00 p.m.	“A Reformation Christmas” Candlelight Service at St. John’s
Monday, December 25, 2017	9:00 a.m.	“A Reformation Christmas” Service at Emmanuel
Sunday, December 31, 2017	7:00 p.m.	New Year’s Eve Service at St. John’s with communion
Monday, January 1, 2018	9:00 a.m.	New Year’s Day service at Emmanuel with communion

Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website & Facebook link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321

Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com

Principal Tim Hemling (608) 745-2549

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Sandra Hemling (608) 745-2776

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

St. John’s Sunday School Christmas Service December 17, 2017

December 15, 2017December 15, 2017 Kerry

MARY HAD

A LITTLE LAMB

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St. John’s Sunday School Christmas Service

December 17, 2017

ANTHEM “This Peaceful Night” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adult Choir

Violin: Karrigan Cragin

PROCESSIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Congregation

“See in Yonder Manger Low”

See in yonder manger low, Born for us on earth below, See—the gentle Lamb appears, Promised from eternal years. Hail the ever blessed morn; Hail redemption’s happy dawn; Sing though all Jerusalem, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Sacred Infant, all divine, What a tender love was thine, Thus to come from highest bliss Down to such a world as this. Hail the ever blessed morn; Hail redemption’s happy dawn; Sing though all Jerusalem, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

INVOCATION

Pastor: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Congregation: Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP

P: We have come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior, pictured as a lamb throughout Scripture.

C: Our Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God, was born in a manger in Bethlehem.

P: “And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

C: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

RECITATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Children

SONG: “Lamb of God” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V1 Children

V2-V3 Congregation

Your gift of love, they crucified They laughed and scorned Him as He died The humble King, they named a fraud And sacrificed the Lamb of God. Oh, Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God, I love the holy Lamb of God; Oh, wash me in His precious blood, My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.
I was so lost, I should have died But You have brought me to Your side To be led by Your staff and rod And to be called a lamb of God. Oh, Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God, I love the holy Lamb of God; Oh, wash me in His precious blood, My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

FICTION AND FACT

NARRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor

SONG: “Mary Had A Little Lamb” (traditional) . . . . . . . . . PreK & K

NARRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor

SONG & NARRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children & Mr. Wachholz

“Mary Had A Little Lamb” (new melody& lyrics)

RESPONSIVE READING

Pastor: He who gave for us his life, who for us endured the strife,

Congregation: Is Mary’s Little Lamb today, and we can joyfully say: Alleluia!

P: He, who laid on manger hay, is the Lamb we laud today;

C: Mary’s Little Lamb lives on high, pleads for us and hears our cry: Alleluia!

P: He who slumbered in the grave, is exalted now to save;

C: Now through Christendom the message rings, Mary’s Little Lamb is King of Kings. Alleluia!

P: Now he bids us tell abroad, as the shepherds did of old,

C: That dear Little Lamb has giv’n, hope that we may enter heaven. Alleluia!

P: Hear us special Lamb indeed, Christ, who will your people feed,

C: Take our sins and guilt away, that we all may sing today: Alleluia!

CHRISTMAS PRAYER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor

Lord God, we gather at this Christmas time to reflect on the day that our Savior came to earth to take our sins away. We thank you for coming into the Bethlehem manger as Mary’s Little Lamb—the sinless Lamb of God—who would one day be sacrificed on the cross at Calvary. Fill our hearts with joy in his coming this Christmas season and throughout the year, and may we share that joy with everyone. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Mary’s Little Lamb, and the victorious Lamb of God. Amen.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

“I am Jesus’ Little Lamb

Because Jesus was God’s Lamb First”

OFFERING, WORSHIPER GREETINGS, FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS

THE LAMB OF GOD IS FORETOLD

NARRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teachers & Grades 2-4

RECITATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grades K-5

HYMN AND CAROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Congregation & Children

Congregation: (sung) O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

Children: Here with the cows and oxen mild,

Sleep, sleep, sleep, my little child.

Angels from on high fill the heav’nly sky,

Keeping watch above th’incarnate God of love.

Cong: O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

Children: Here in the crib, secure from harm,.

Sleep, sleep, on your mother’s arm.

Angels from on high fill the heav’nly sky,

Keeping watch above th’incarnate God of love.

Cong: O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us your peace. Amen.

NARRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Wachholz

HYMN “Not All the Blood of Beasts” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Congregation

Not all the blood of beasts On Israel’s altars slain Could give the guilty conscience peace Or wash away the stain.
But Christ, the heav’nly Lamb, Takes all our sins away, A sacrifice of nobler name And richer blood than they.
Believing, we rejoice To see the curse remove; We bless the Lamb with cheerful voice And sing his bleeding love.

THE LAMB OF GOD APPEARS

NARRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grade 4

RECITATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Mary”

LITURGY HYMN “Song of Mary” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Congregation

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed. The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. He has mercy on those who fear him in ev’ry generation.

NARRATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grade 3

RECITATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PreK-K

In a little stable

Far across the sea

Came a little baby

Just like you and me.

SONG: “Little Baby Jesus” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

NARRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Wachholz

THE CHRISTMAS GOSPEL, Luke 2:1-7 . . .Children\Congregation

Children: “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

Congregation: (read) (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

Children: And everyone went to his own town to register.

Cong: So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

SONG “Pitter, Patter, Donkey’s Feet” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

THE CHRISTMAS GOSPEL (continued)

Children: He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

Cong: While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,

Children: and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

Cong: She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

RECITATION (sung/Traditional Melody) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

Mary had a Little Lamb;

He was born on Christmas day.

She laid him in a manger bed

To sleep upon the hay.

SONG: “There’s A Village in Judea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

HYMN “Unto Us A Boy Is Born” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Congregation

Unto us a Boy is born! King of all creation, Came He to a world forlorn, The Lord of ev’ry nation.
Now may Mary’s Son, who came So long ago to love us, Lead us all with hearts aflame Unto the joys above us.

NARRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Wachholz

THE CHRISTMAS GOSPEL (continued)

Children: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

Cong: An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

Children: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Cong: Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Children: This will be a sign to you:

Cong: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

Children: Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

Cong: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

RECITATION (sung/Traditional Melody) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

The shepherds heard the good news

While tending to their sheep.

The Lamb of God is born today,

The angel choirs did say.

RECITATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “The Shepherds”

RECITATION (sung/Traditional Melody) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

More angels then appeared to them

With praises greater still

Glory to God they sang on high

And on earth, peace, good will.

RECITATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “The Shepherds”

SONG: “Angel Voices Sweetly Singing” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

HYMN “Angels We Have Heard on High” . . . . . . . . . . Congregation

Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply, Echoing their joyous strain, Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heav’nly song? Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing. Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.

NARRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Wachholz

THE CHRISTMAS GOSPEL (continued)

Children: When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,

Cong: “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Children: So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

Cong: When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,

Children: And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Cong: But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Children: The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

RECITATION (sung/Traditional Melody) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

And so they ran to Bethlehem

And saw the babe so small.

They gazed in adoration,

Then spread the news to all.

RECITATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “The Sheep”

HYMN “Go Tell It On The Mountain” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V1 Children

V2-3 Congregation

The shepherds feared and trembled When lo, above the earth Rang out the angel chorus That hailed our Savior’s birth. Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills, and ev’rywhere; Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born.
Down in a lowly manger The humble Christ was born; And God sent us salvation That blessed Christmas morn. Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills, and ev’rywhere; Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born.

RECITATION (sung/Traditional Melody) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

Mary had a Little Lamb

His fleece was white as snow.

That spotless Lamb was crucified

To pay the debt I owe.

Oh, spotless Lamb, with wool so white,

Your crimson blood, I know,

Can wash me clean of all my sins

And make me white as snow.

NARRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grade 4

SONG “The Lamb” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

HYMN “Mary’s Little Boy Child” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V1 Children

V2-4 Congregation

Shepherds watched their flocks by night, they saw a bright new shining star, and heard a choir from heaven sing the music came from afar. Hark! Now hear the angels sing. New King is born today. And man will live forevermore because of Christmas day.
Joseph and his wife, Mary, came to Bethlehem that night. They found no place to bear her child, not a single room was in sight.
By and by they found a little nook in a stable all forlorn, and in a manger, cold and dark, Mary’s little boy child was born. Trumpets sound and angels sing. Listen to what they say, that man will live forevermore because of Christmas day

WORTHY IS THE LAMB

NARRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor

RECITATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children

Pastor: The Child, the Lamb, was born, God’s child, for us.

Congregation: Thank God!

P: The Child, the Lamb, grew up, for us.

C: Thank God!

P: The Child, the Lamb, lived and taught, healed and helped and

cared, and suffered and died for us!

C: Thank God!

P: The Child, the Lamb, our Savior, rose again, for us.

C: Thank God!

ALL: God, we thank you that Mary had a Little Lamb!

THE LORD’S PRAYER (sung) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Congregation

(Melody: Away in a Manger)

Our Father in heaven, all praise to your name! Your kingdom among us, your will done the same By mortals and angels. Come, Lord reign alone: Oh, hear us and bless us from heaven’s high throne.

The bread that we yearn for provide us each day; As we forgive others, our sins take away; In times of temptation, to lead us be near; From evil deliver your children most dear.

For yours is the kingdom; o’er all things you reign. And yours is the power; all things you maintain. To you be the glory, resounding again From all of creation, forever. Amen.

THE BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECESSIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children & Congregation

“Mary Had a Little Lamb/His Name Is Jesus”

Mary had a little Lamb, little Lamb, little Lamb, Mary had a little Lamb, whose fleece was white as snow. He came and lived a perfect life, perfect life, perfect life. He came and lived a perfect life that we might be made whole.

Children: His name is Jesus, His name is Jesus, the Lamb of God, as white as snow. His name is Jesus, his name is Jesus, the Lamb of God, as white as snow.

They led Him off to Calvary, Calvary, Calvary. They led Him off to Calvary, along that lonesome road. Hands and feet nailed to the cross, to the cross, to the cross. Hands and feet nailed to the cross while Mary watched below. His name is Jesus, His name is Jesus, the Lamb of God, as white as snow. His name is Jesus, his name is Jesus, the Lamb of God, as white as snow.
From the grave He rose again, rose again, rose again. From the grave He role again to set the captives free. Very soon He will return, will return, will return. Very soon he will return to claim the victory! His name is Jesus, His name is Jesus, the Lamb of God, as white as snow. His name is Jesus, his name is Jesus, the Lamb of God, as white as snow.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Theme for next Sunday (12/24):

The Fourth Sunday in Advent–Christmas Eve: The Son of David Reigns Forever

Note: Please give your completed friendship register page to an usher or pastor as you leave today’s service.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK DECEMBER 17-DECEMBER 23
Sun.	8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship
	8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
	8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
	9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Adult Bible Study
	10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School Christmas Service
	4:00 P.M.		St. John’s Little Lambs Christmas Service
Mon.	6:30 P.M.		Senior Choir
Tues.
Wed.	1:40 P.M.		St. John’s School and Little Lambs early dismissal
	2:15 P.M.		Public School Teen Confirmation
	3:30 P.M.		Emmanuel Devotion
	6:30 P.M.		St. John’s Devotion
Thurs.	6:00 P.M.		Griefshare at St. John’s
	7:00 P.M.		St. John’s Council meeting
Fri.
Sat.	6:00 P.M.		Emmanuel Children’s Candlelight Christmas Service
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 The Fourth Sunday in Advent–Christmas Eve: The Son of David Reigns Forever
8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Christmas Eve Worship
8:20 A.M.		Emmanuel Nursery Sunday School
8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Christmas Eve Service with communion
7:00 P.M.		St. John’s “A Reformation Christmas” Candlelight Service

MEMORIAL In loving memory of Brian Sluga, $100.00 has been given to St. John’s School by Valorie Schable. Thank you for your gift!

MEMORIAL In loving memory of Walter Bubolz, $500.00 has been given to St. John’s School by family and friends. Thank you for your gift!

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

See the source image ARE YOU INTERESTED?! If you are interested in singing in the choir on December 23 at Emmanuel’s 6:00pm Children’s Christmas Service, rehearsal will be at Emmanuel on December 18 at 6:30pm. We will be singing traditional Christmas carols. Come sing our praises and celebrate our Lord!

ST. JOHN’S OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN-UP The signup sheet is located in the church link way. Please sign up if you wish to have a copy of your 2017 offering statement.

See the source image ST. JOHN’S OFFERING ENVELOPES 2018 are located in the link way of church. Please pick yours up but do not use until January 2018. If you do not have a box, feel free to contact pastor or the office and we will get one to you!

See the source image NEW YEAR’S EVE LOCK-IN All 6th-12th graders are invited to our youth group’s 3rd annual NYE lock-in. Enjoy an evening of fun & games, movies, not to mention lots of snacks & food. We will begin after St. John’s New Years Eve service, concluding at 9 am on NY’s day. For more details, or to sign up, call or text us at 608-697-1600(Mark)or 608-697-3327(Patty). Deadline to sign up is December 27.

See the source image FELLOWSHIP AND REFRESHMENTS after the Emmanuel Christmas Eve Service on Sat. Dec. 23 at 6:00 pm. Members and guests are all invited to join us in the Parish Hall for cookies and punch. If you have extra cookies please bring a plate to share. If not please come anyway.

LITTLE LAMBS CHRISTMAS SERVICE The Little Lambs Christmas Service will take place TODAY, December 17th at 4:00 p.m. at St. John’s.

ST. JOHN’S MEMBERS, PLEASE COME CHRISTMAS CAROLING! We’re off to brighten the season for our members and friends at Montello Care Center on Sunday, December 24. Please meet in the entrance of the Care Center at 9 a.m. All ages are welcome!!! Come share a bit of your time and the Christmas gospel in song during this season of giving! We’ll be returning in plenty of time for the Sunday morning service.

ALTAR FLOWERS If you are interested, we are always in need of altar flowers. Feel free to contact the church/school office!

WEDNESDAY ADVENT DEVOTIONS Please join us for our special Wednesday Advent Devotions: “Advent Equations” – 3:30pm at E & 6:30pm at SJ. Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS 12/3 at Emmanuel: Josh & Amanda Kuchar and son Weston, 12/10 at St. John’s: Adam Myers & Jennifer Strauss – A new “Bible Information Class” will begin on Wed 1/3/18 at 7:30pm in pastor’s office/conference room at St. John’s. Alternate days/times can be scheduled. Free study guides are available from pastor…just ask.

See the source image NEW WEEKDAY/EVE BIBLE CLASS Beginning January 2018, we’ll be starting a new weekday/eve Bible Study entitled: “Your Questions–Scriptures Answers: Adiaphora” (things that God doesn’t command or forbid in the Bible and how we are to properly use our Christian freedom). We meet at St. John’s in the pastor’s office/conference room Monday 7:30pm (beginning1/8)and Wednesday 10am (beginning 1/3). “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…” (Hebrews 6:1)

THE CAMPBELLS LABELS FOR EDUCATION PROGRAM has closed so we need all labels anyone may have turned in by December 26th please. I have to have them turned in by January 2nd in order for them to be accepted! Thank you all for your help and support over the years!

USHERS

Emmanuel: Today December 17 Wayne Stelter, Warren Buchholz, DuWayne Sommerfeld, December 20 3:30pm Dave Radke, Don Stelter, December 24 Christmas Eve Brian Ninneman, Jim Stuempges, Joe Heller, December 25 Christmas Day 9:00am Darrell Buchholz, Glenn Buchholz, Paul Dahlke, December 31 Lucas Stelter, Paul Wuerch, DuWayne Sommerfeld

St. John’s: Today December 17 James Wachholz; Chief, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls, Mark Emond, Kevin Kaul, December 24 (C) Christmas Eve Dennis Wacholtz, Richard Freitag, Gerhardt Voigt, Mitch Simon, Karl Whitrock, December 24 Candlelight Service 7:00pm Jack Yates; Chief, Matt Borzick, Glen Bubolz, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith, December 31 Don Smith, Chief, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls, Mark Emond, Kevin Kaul, December 31 (C) Candlelight New Year’s Eve Service Kenon Smith; Chief, Scott Ritz, James Kunde, Ken Borzick, Thomas Wojtalewicz

GREETERS TODAY Jim & Diane Eisermann

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
12-10 12-10 Children’s 12-13 E 12-13 SJ	85 40	182 230 28
ST. JOHN’S ALTAR COMMITTEE CONTACT DECEMBER 2017	Jennie Utke & Susan Brown

In addition to our regular St. John’s Sunday 10:00 a.m. and Emmanuel 8:00 a.m. services, please see our special Christmas Service schedule below. God bless you this Christmas season!

Sunday, December 17, 2017	10:00 a.m.	St. John’s Sunday School Christmas Service at St. John’s
	4:00 p.m.	St. John’s Little Lambs K3- K4 Christmas Service at St. John’s
Wednesday, December 20, 2017	3:30 p.m.	Emmanuel Advent Devotion
	6:30 p.m.	St. John’s Advent Devotion
Saturday, December 23, 2017	6:00 p.m.	Children’s Christmas Candlelight Service at Emmanuel
Sunday, December 24, 2017	7:00 p.m.	“A Reformation Christmas” Candlelight Service at St. John’s
Monday, December 25, 2017	9:00 a.m.	“A Reformation Christmas” Service at Emmanuel
Sunday, December 31, 2017	7:00 p.m.	New Year’s Eve Service at St. John’s with communion
Monday, January 1, 2018	9:00 a.m.	New Year’s Day service at Emmanuel with communion

Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website & Facebook link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321

Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com

Principal Tim Hemling (608) 745-2549

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Sandra Hemling (608) 745-2776

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