JESUS: THE SERVANT
What was the significance of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet? Jesus reveals not only his true character but the character he wants to see in all who follow Him…Jesus leads by example. (John 13)
✝️ Be sure to check our website (www.stjohnsmontello.org) and Facebook page for our daily Holy Week videos created by our very own church and school members. ✝️
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qMAilMRTM_zhoe9lnBwV4_vjpjOtyF6K/view?usp=sharing
đź’ś WHAT IS LENT? đź’ś
Lent is an important season to Christians because we are given special opportunities to focus our attention on our Redeemer, Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. Jesus saved us by being our perfect substitute in life (Romans 5:19) and our innocent substitute in death (2 Corinthians 5:21). Lent furnishes opportunities to marvel at the forgiving, sacrificial love of God (Isaiah 53). The main focus of Lent is not what we give up for God. It is what God gave up for us on the cross, his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
✝️ Be sure to check our website (www.stjohnsmontello.org) and Facebook page for our daily Holy Week videos created by our very own church and school members. ✝️
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1esnzRsDShodLHKFfOcXqfMo-lSwic5iF/view?usp=sharing
🌿 THE KING COMES TO US 🌿
Today is Palm Sunday. On this day, we celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, the week before his death and resurrection. Today marks the beginning of Holy Week, which concludes on Easter Sunday. The Bible reveals that when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds greeted him by waving palm branches and covering his path with palm branches. Immediately following this great time of celebration in the ministry of Jesus, he begins his journey to the cross.
✝️ Be sure to check our website (www.stjohnsmontello.org) and Facebook page for our daily Holy Week videos created by our very own church and school members. ✝️
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kS2OanUd_obg92pgSA7zmw9mk2InT0sI/view?usp=sharing
Join us on our online event! St. John’s and Emmanuel presents:
“Palm Branches to the Tomb: Telling HIStory”.
This event entails short, themed videos posted each day on Holy Week (Sunday, March 28-Sunday, April 4) created by our very own church and school members.
Be sure to check our website www.stjohnsmontello.org and follow us on our church Facebook page each day. Please share this information with your family and friends!
Yes, this is definitely a change from what we’re used to. Wisconsin’s state directive “Safer At Home” has changed how we will worship, for now. We need to remember that the power of God’s Word and the comfort of the gospel is not diminished by the way it is delivered. You will hear law and gospel. You will be assured of Christ’s forgiveness. Your faith will be nourished and our trust in God’s unchanging promises will be strengthened.
Perhaps God will use this experience to lead us to never take public worship for granted again. I pray that God is also using this crisis to draw many in our nation to see the value of forgiveness, faith and the Word of God. As He tells us, “My Word will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11). If you know of someone who doesn’t have access to these on-line worship opportunities, please let us know. Call (608-297-2866) or email <scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org> church/school secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office or leave a message.
At the encouragement of our church synod leaders, we will be reserving distribution of the Lord’s Supper for its regular and normal use within the gathering of the body of believers, except in special circumstances. We take comfort in knowing that we have two forms of the means of grace – Word and sacrament. Forgiveness received through God’s Word is no less powerful and effective than the sacrament.
Every Saturday at 11am (either at Emmanuel at St. John’s) we will record an abbreviated service that will be uploaded to our website <www.stjohnsmontello.org> & linked You Tube channel together with a bulletin file and available for viewing at your convenience. This week’s Maundy Thursday (4/9) and Good Friday (4/10) services will also be recorded and available on-line, or via DVD, printed sermon & bulletin mailings.
While we might be tempted to face this situation with a great deal of disappointment and chagrin, we also recognize the opportunity God is placing before us to ponder and grasp ever more firmly his promise of spiritual health for our souls and to reflect the light of his love to others. We can:
– pray for God’s healing for those affected by the virus
– pray for those involved in essential services – medical personnel, first responders, and those who keep the peace
– share the links to our website and worship service with family, friends, and acquaintances
– renew our daily devotional life
– continue to support the message and ministry of our congregation by responding in thanks to God for his gift of eternal life through offerings mailed to the church office, by electronic-ACH-auto-pay-direct-depost giving or via credit card at <www.stjohnsmontello.org> menu button “Church Recorded Service” DONATE NOW yellow button. Call Ciara at the church office for direct deposit giving details.
– offer care and compassion for those who need support and a listening ear
Church elders, shepherd, trustees, other concerned members and Pastor Zietlow have begun contacting all E/SJ members (via email, text, and phone) to make all aware of the situation, to offer alternatives for those who do not have a computer or internet access, and to offer any special assistance during these challenging times. Following our governor’s announcement on 3/24, all WI residents are to “stay safe at home”. President Trump also advises that we continue this “social distancing” until May. These are trying times..times for personal reflection, Bible study, devotion and prayer. Pastor Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text) and our E/SJ Elders are available for emergency home visits. Please reach out to them directly.
Elders:
Darrell Buchholz at E – (608) 215-7871, darrell.buchholz@gmail.com
Jerre Duerr at SJ – (608) 697-8706, jerre.asc@gmail.com
Jim Eisermann at SJ – (608) 297-8171, jay.diane.eisermann@gmail.com
Wayne Stelter at E – (608) 297-2761, shieldscreamery@gmail.com
James Wachholz at SJ – (608) 369-2635, lwmsreporter@stjohnsmontello.org
We as your church family want to be able to help and serve you, but we can all rejoice as we look to the One who is our real and lasting helper. He is our strength and that’s especially comforting in a time like this, when our human weakness is made so clear!
In Jesus Christ our loving & protecting Savior,
Pastor Pete Zietlow (608-408-7830 talk/text & ZietlowPL6@hotmail.com)
The Lord knows the way that I take, and when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)
| “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Philippians 4:4 |
March 1, 2020
Dear Alumni, Former Teachers & Principals, School Families, and Parish Members:
For 90 years, God has blessed St. John’s Ev. Lutheran School in Montello with the privilege of sharing Christian education with hundreds of students. It’s time to celebrate! This amazing milestone will be marked by a special 10 a.m. worship service at St. John’s, followed by an anniversary celebration meal, on Sunday, April 19. We invite you to attend and share in the events of this special day—a guest preacher, special music by the choir and present school children, history displays, and an anniversary meal and fellowship.
To help us with preparations, please make your reservation(s) for the meal. Email to: scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org or call the church office at 608-297-2866 or send mail to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran School Anniversary, 313 East Montello Street, Montello, WI 53949.
The reservation deadline is Sunday, April 5.
Please bless us with your prayers for St. John’s Ev. Lutheran School’s 90th anniversary celebration and for our day school’s continuance as a light in our community. We hope you can attend!
James Wachholz, Chairman
90th Anniversary Committee
The Welcome Home initiative is an attempt to address the challenge of members drifting away from church. Learn more from the video below.
“Welcome Home” will kick-off Sunday 10/13 with a special service, sermon and a free breakfast served after the 10am service in the St. John’s church basement. More “Welcome Home” services will continue through November.
