Category: Bulletins

EMMANUEL and ST. JOHN’S

Evangelical Lutheran Churches

Mecan and Montello, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 31, 2017

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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!

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)

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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

“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.

A Turn for the Better

1. Possibly only through our Lord
2. 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

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.

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)

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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

St. John’s & Emmanuel

Evangelical Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD

A Reformation Christmas

December 24 & 25, 2017

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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.

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

M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

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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 +

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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

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

⁶ For 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.
⁷ Of 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.

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

¹⁴ The 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

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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

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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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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 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)

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)

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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