Second Sunday in Lent February 25, 2018

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1 LRP Open Forum Final Chance The last of our VERY IMPORTANT open forums is TODAY at 11:30 pm. If you haven t yet attend one of these presentations, please plan to stay (or come back) after the late service. The Long- Range Planning Committee will discuss all your valuable input at Tuesday s meeting, before making its VERY IMPORTANT recommendations to the church council and congregational voters. News & Notes FVLHS News Check the bulletin board, past worship folders, or speak with Pastor regarding: - tomorrow s General Board meeting - the March 4 th Daddy/Daughter Dance - the Spring Play (Snow White) - the Family Open House / Discover FVL - all sorts of spring youth sports programs - the WI School Choice Program / financial aid Second Sunday in Lent February 25, 2018 Red Cross Blood Drive The next drive here at St. John will be on March 5 th, from 1-6 pm. Mark your calendars. Easter Card Distribution If, for some reason, you weren t able to participate in the Christmas card distribution, please set aside the mornings of March 10 th and/or 17 th. Our goal is to place an Easter invitation on the door of every house in Wrightstown. An hour s worth of walking by a couple dozen of us will easily get the task done. Recent Bulletins Several copies of the last few weeks bulletins will now be available on the tract rack that s across from the larger section of mailboxes (near the balcony staircase). If you happen to miss worship, please take a copy so you can review the service as well as stay up-to-date on any announcements that were shared. Camp Bird / Camp Phillip Programs See the posters and/or brochures in the narthex for all the info on this year s camp programs. Camp Bird is near Crivitz and Camp Phillip is near Wautoma. WELS United Annual Meeting Mar 15 th WELS United in the Fox Valley will be hosting their annual meeting at 6:30pm at Bethel, Menasha. All area WELS members men and women are welcome to attend and participate in the discussion. WELS United is a cross-congregational ministry devoted to the simple concept that we can accomplish more working together than we can alone. If you d like to learn more about the work of WELS United and the many possibilities for serving through one of our shared ministries, please know that your input, creative ideas, and willing hearts and hands are welcome! LMSG Veteran Spiritual R&R May 4 th -6 th The WELS Lutheran Military Support Group is organizing a retreat at Camp Phillip. See the poster on the bulletin board for info. Easter Breakfast Planning Gentlemen, start your engines! Easter comes early this year, so please start touching base with Bernie Vickman, our faithful breakfast coordinator. St. John Ev. Lutheran Church & School 437 Turner Street, Wrightstown WI, Pastor Mike Gehl (pastorgehl@gmail.com)... (920) Church Office (church@stjlw.com)... (920) School Office (stjlsw@gmail.com)... (920) Mr. Timothy Raddatz, Principal, Grades (920) Mrs. Jennifer Bunn, Grades (920) Mrs. Rebecca Wicks, Pre-K and K... (920) Miss. Jamie Buss, Preschool and Pre-K... (920) Mr. Terry Sieker, Congregation President... (920) Fox Valley Lutheran High School... (920) [12]

2 Welcome! We extend a very warm and friendly welcome to all who ve joined us for worship today. We pray that the God of grace, who sent his Son to save you and who proved his love for you by raising him from the dead, will fill your heart with joy in knowing that your salvation has been made sure through Jesus. May God bless your worship! If you re a guest with us this morning, please sign the Friendship Register in your row, checking any applicable boxes. If you need assistance of any kind, don t hesitate to ask one of the ushers. If you d like to learn more about St. John congregation or the Bible s teachings, please speak with Pastor Mike Gehl. And if you don t already have a church-home, feel free to return and worship with us again at your earliest convenience. Our restrooms are located downstairs (through the entryway). Activity bags to help keep children occupied are on a hanger in the entryway. We love having your children sit with you during the service, but if you feel that your infant or toddler is getting a little too fussy, you may briefly step out of the sanctuary until they re ready to come back in. Today s order of service is displayed on the screen and printed out in the worship folder (with music notes) for your convenience. Hymns are found in the red book in front of you. St. John also operates an all-day preschool and a fullday kindergarten through eighth grade Lutheran Elementary School. We re a member of the Fox Valley Lutheran High School federation. If you are interested in hearing more about these opportunities for Christian education, please speak with Pastor Gehl or Principal Tim Raddatz. At Your Service Today: 7:45 10:15 Greeters: Janet Wierschke Diane Laabs Lois Baumgartener Joan Zahn Tammy Olp Tina DeMerritt Aura Lee Gehl Ushers: Eric Olp Dale Laabs Elliot Olp Zaine Gehl William Olp Jeremy Uecker Randy Kluess Doug Otten Carl Uitenbroek PowerPoint: Phil R & Zaine G Altar Guild: Rebecca & Lou Lou Ann B, Mary F, & Aura Lee G [2] Mission and Purpose St. John Lutheran Church exists as part of the Holy Christian Church on earth. We engage in the continuing development of disciples of Jesus Christ by GATHERING for worship, education, and fellowship in order to GROW in faith and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. By God s GRACE we GO to proclaim Christ and his Word with our lips and lives. We realize that it s only through the GOSPEL in Word and Sacraments that one can be equipped for discipleship and bringing GLORY to God. Last Week s Stewardship of the Means of Grace and the Means for His Work Worship: 149; LS: 94 ABC: 25 Feb 18 th YTD YTD Goal Church Offerings $6, $249, $284, The Week+ Ahead as We Live in God s Grace Today (25 th ) 7:45 am Worship (WELS Connection) 9:00 am Sunday School (The Ten Lepers) Adult Bible Class (The Book of Daniel) 10:15 am Worship (WELS Connection) 11:30 am Open Forum 4/4 (Long-Range Planning Committee Updates) Mon (26 th ) 7:00 pm FVL General Board Meeting (at FVLHS) Tue (27 th ) 12p or 6:30p Women Retire Wisely Seminar (at FVLHS) 6:00 pm Board of Education Meeting 7:00 pm Long-Range Planning Meeting Wed (28 th ) 5:00 pm Lenten Supper (sponsored by St. John Seniors) 6:30 pm Midweek Lenten Worship 7:30 pm Choir Practice Thu (1 st ) 6:00 pm 150 th Anniversary Committee Meeting 7:00 pm Handbells Practice (at Trinity, Kaukauna) Sun (4 th ) 7:45 am Worship w/ Holy Communion 9:00 am Sunday School (Mary and Martha) Adult Bible Class (The Book of Daniel) 10:15 am Worship w/ Holy Communion 2:00 pm Daddy / Daughter Dance (at FVLHS) Mon (Mar 5 th ) 1:00 pm Red Cross Blood Drive (here at St. John) Tue (Mar 6 th ) 9:00 am Martha s Circle 4:30 pm Family Open House (at FVLHS) Fri (9 th )& Sat (10 th ) 6:30 pm Spring Play: Snow White (at FVLHS) Sat (Mar 10 th & 17 th ) 9:00 am Easter Card Distribution Sun (Mar 11 th ) 11:20 am Nominating Committee Meeting Mon (Mar 12 th ) 6p / 7:30p Elders / Church Council Meetings Tue (Mar 13 th ) 6:30 pm Endowment Committee Meeting Thu (Mar 15 th ) 1:00 pm Discover FVL Day (for 7 th graders; at FVLHS) 6:30 pm WELS United Meeting (at Bethel, Menasha) [11]

3 The Lord s Prayer Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen. Closing Prayer O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Service Theme for the Second Sunday in Lent: Lent has to last a while and come around every year if for no other reason than this, that it is so hard for us to get the points made so strikingly in Lent. This Sunday we see God s seriousness in Lent in this: Salvation and suffering go hand in hand, for Jesus and for us too! Service of the Word This service offers the congregation a form of worship that focuses on the proclamation of God s Word, and believers respond to this divine gift with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. Blessing Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and [ ] give you peace. Closing Hymn... Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spoke (CW 453) Opening Hymn... What Is the World to Me (CW 477) Greeting The grace of our Lord [ ] Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. And also with you. Confession of Sins We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy. Absolution Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt. God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will. Amen. [10] [3]

4 Prayer and Praise In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord. Oh, Taste and See Prayer of the Day Let us pray. Almighty God, you see that we have no power to defend ourselves. Guard and keep us both outwardly and inwardly from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Prayer of the Church Heavenly Father, you loved the world and gave your Son to liberate us from sin and death by his obedient death on the cross. We confess that without your love we are lost. Lord of the Church, we thank you for the treasure of the gospel. By your Spirit, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Strengthen our determination to do what pleases you, no matter what the danger or the cost. Let us pray for those who carry a cross in the name of Christ and face ridicule and persecution for the sake of the kingdom: missionaries and chaplains, young people who stand up for what is right in the face of pressure to do what is wrong, and all who pay a high price for their faith and their values as Christians. By your Spirit, O Lord, grant them patience and endurance. Let us pray for those who carry heavy burdens in life: the sick and the chronically ill, the depressed and the lonely, those torn by conflict in personal relationships, those victimized by war and injustice, and all who face the terrors of life with a heavy heart. Grant them peace, O Lord, and in your mercy, be their guardian and friend, their comfort and hope. Let us pray for those who care for others: pastors and counselors; physicians and nurses; social workers and caring friends; all who feed the hungry, comfort the hurting, and stand beside the dying. Strengthen them in their work, O Lord, and do not let them become weary in doing good. Special prayers and intercessions may follow. Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions. Silent prayer Help us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Keep us faithful even to the point of death, that we may receive the crown of life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [4] [9]

5 this is the Gospel of our Lord. Hymn of the Day... Lord, You I Love with All My Heart (CW 434) Sermon... Mark 8:31-38 Get Behind the Son of Man! So that his mission (cross) So that your mission (cross) is clearly seen. is clearly seen. The Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. Thank-Offering Thanksgiving These offerings are used to support the ministries of our church, both locally and worldwide. Our guests should not feel compelled to give an offering, but may do so if they desire. The Word First Lesson... Genesis 28:10-17 (EHV) Notice that Jacob s suffering is largely his own fault. Were there ever more beautiful promises given to one more obviously a sinner? God lets Jacob suffer some of the consequences of his sins. To the extent that those well deserved consequences tempt him to the even greater sin of despairing of God s mercy, to that extent his suffering is a cross. But God does not want to drive him to despair. God prevents that from happening by showing himself as gracious; he comes with grace to sinners who deserve nothing but suffering in consequence of their sins. In consequence of his sins he has nothing and humanly speaking should expect to have nothing for the indefinite future. But look at how quickly his perspective changes when God is gracious. With the ground for a bed and a rock for a pillow he has heaven! For God is there in grace. And so, what do the details of the future matter? Suffering is certain because of sin; the merciful presence of God is also certain and that because of grace and grace alone. Not all suffering is, of course, a direct consequence of our own sin. But much is, and the suffering proves it. Sinner is my name; it is for me that Jesus came in Lent. My suffering reminds me of sin, the real reason for it; it reminds as well of his suffering and the real fruit of it in the redemption of this sinner. 10 Jacob set out from Beersheba and traveled toward Haran. 11 He came to a certain place and decided to spend the night there, because the sun had set. He took one of the stones from that place, put it under his head, and lay down to sleep in that place. 12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway set up on the earth with its top reaching to heaven. There were angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13 There at the top stood the LORD, who said, I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. The land on which you are lying, I give to you and to your descendants. 14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south. In you and in your seed all the families of the earth will be blessed. 15 Now, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back again into this land. Indeed, I will not leave you, until I have done what I have promised to you. 16 Jacob woke up from his sleep, and he said, Certainly the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it. 17 He was afraid and he said, How awe-inspiring is this place! This is nothing other than the house of God, and this is the gate to heaven. [8] [5]

6 Psalm of the Day... Psalm 73 I am always with you, O Lord. You hold me by my right hand. With your guidance you lead me, and afterward, you will take me to glory. Who else is there for me in heaven? And besides you, I desire no one else on earth. My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Refrain Second Lesson... Romans 5:1-11 (EHV) To the world the real meaning of Lent makes no sense at all. Only the Christian gets it, and that as a result of the miracle of faith worked by the proclamation of the gospel. And this is that miracle: Christ the holy one, Christ the innocent, suffered for man the sinner, for man the guilty. The suffering was real. So too was its result: Christ suffering for sinners and in their place makes them innocent in God s sight. Because we would never get the point or hang on to it, we suffer, too. Our suffering, whether from the purifying and purging hand of God or from his permission granted to the devil to scourge us as he scourged Job and Paul, helps us to despair of ourselves and our own strength and to live by faith in his suffering for us sinners. Reconciled we now cling to him confidently in suffering as we await the final manifestation of the glory of his resurrection. Therefore we embrace the suffering Savior and do not run away from our own suffering; both are gifts of grace for sinners who have become saints by virtue of Christ s suffering and through faith in his merit. Only a Christian can grasp that. 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we also have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice confidently on the basis of our hope for the glory of God. 3 Not only this, but we also rejoice confidently in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces patient endurance, 4 and patient endurance produces tested character, and tested character produces hope. 5 And hope will not put us to shame, because God s love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who was given to us. 6 For at the appointed time, while we were still helpless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 It is rare indeed that someone will die for a righteous person. Perhaps someone might actually go so far as to die for a person who has been good to him. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Therefore, since we have now been justified by his blood, it is even more certain that we will be saved from God s wrath through him. 10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, it is even more certain that, since we have been reconciled, we will be saved by his life. 11 And not only is this so, but we also go on rejoicing confidently in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received this reconciliation. Verse of the Day... Philippians 2:8b Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death even death on a cross. Gospel Lesson... Mark 8:31-38 (EHV) There it is, the stark reality: the love of God is inseparably connected to the cross, both his and ours! The price of our salvation is steep indeed! The suffering was as real as the resurrection which followed it. The cross of the Christian is likewise as real as the glory which follows it. In both cases, no cross, no crown! In Christ s case the cross is redemptive. In our case the cross is the necessary consequence of his redemptive work, not its cause but nevertheless an indispensable consequence. Be careful in defining it; the cross is not all suffering. It is all suffering that comes as a result of following Jesus, e.g., persecution, the excruciating pain to self of denying self, even the struggle against both selfrighteousness and despair. Our cross drives us to his cross both for forgiveness and for strength. Beware of proving Marx and Lenin right when they said that religion is the opium of the masses; the religion of the cross certainly is not that! 31 Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things; be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the experts in the law; be killed; and after three days rise again. 32 He was speaking plainly to them. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But after turning around and looking at his disciples, Jesus rebuked Peter and said, Get behind me, Satan! You do not have your mind set on the things of God, but the things of men. 34 He called the crowd and his disciples together and said to them, If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36 After all, what good is it for a man to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul? 37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 In fact, whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. [6] [7]