Service of the Word (page 38 and following in CW) Opening Hymn: Hymn 491 CONFESSION OF SINS. 4 th Sunday after the Epiphany Jan.

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1 4 th Sunday after the Epiphany Jan. 26 & 29, 2017 The Savior s Sermon: Trust in God s strength! The Beatitudes are hard for us to swallow. Jesus seems to be espousing a Christianity imbued with fatalism at best or defeatism at worst. Look closer, however, and see what he says. The weaker you are, the stronger God is in your life. The weaker you are now, the more ready you are to trust in a future reward. Look at the past acts of God s grace and you will find many reasons to trust his strength in the face of adversity, persecution or sorrow. Morrison Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Service of the Word (page 38 and following in CW) Opening Hymn: Hymn 491 STAND M: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. C: And also with you. CONFESSION OF SINS M: 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. C: 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. M: 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. C: Amen. 1 Our mission is to Glorify God as we Gather around the Gospel to help people Grow in the Gospel and Go with the Gospel Welcome! We thank God that you have joined us at worship today. Restrooms are located in the basement. Hearing loop headphones and Large Print Hymnals are available from an usher. If your children need to leave worship, please take them to the basement. A TV broadcasts the service in the basement. Today we gather together in the presence of God. He is present among us in a special way through his Word and Sacrament. We humbly acknowledge our sin and rejoice in the good news of forgiveness through the life and death of Christ. This is the focus of our worship.

2 PRAYER AND PRAISE M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord. Oh, Taste and See (sung) C: Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed are they who take refuge in him. Your Word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues forever. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed are they who take refuge in him. Prayer of the Day M: Let us pray. 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; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: (sung) Amen. BE SEATED THE WORD Grades 1-4 They ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love (10:30) First Lesson: Micah 6:1-8 God builds a case against the people of Israel. He calls the mountains as witnesses and lodges a charge against the unfaithful people. Yet look at the grace when he still calls them, My people! This faithless and wayward group he still calls his own and reminds them of all his righteous acts from the Exodus until the crossing of the Jordan (from Shittim to Gilgal). Israel, though, does not respond in faith, but in sinful pride: What must I do to make this right (v 6)? No sacrifice from human hands could clear the guilt. The sacrifice God wanted was a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17) that knows its weakness and trusts in the strength of God s saving grace. Then God will give the strength to act justly, to love mercy and walk humbly with our God. 6 Listen to what the LORD says: Stand up, plead my case before the mountains; 2

3 let the hills hear what you have to say. 2 Hear, you mountains, the LORD s accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel. 3 My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened you? Answer me. 4 I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam. 5 My people, remember what Balak king of Moab plotted and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of the LORD. 6 With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.(NIV) Psalm of the Day: Psalm 37 (p. 44 of CWS) Second Lesson 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Paul points the Corinthians to themselves as an example of God s strength made perfect in weakness. The majority of them did not come from the upper crust of society or the ranks of the learned. God, however, chose them. Paul s list of God s chosen ones fits well with Jesus description of the blessed ones in the Gospel. God chooses the losers of this world, not the winners; he chooses the weak, not the strong, so that there is no doubt as to the nature of his one-sided grace. The weaker we are, the more ready we are to trust in God s strength and boast in the work he does in us. 3

4 26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things and the things that are not to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord. (NIV) Verse of the Day (sung) C: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written they we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! STAND Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12 In the Beatitudes, our Savior turns the world upside down. He calls blessed the people this world never would. He calls blessed people that the world would use as doormats! The world praises the brash, the strong, and the self-sufficient. Jesus calls blessed what others see as weak or stupid. To live this kind of blessedness requires a deep trust in the Lord s strength and a long-term view of life. Jesus calls us blessed even in circumstances like mourning and persecution, because he is looking beyond the troubles of this world to the reward that is waiting for the people of God. Like reading the last chapter of a book, Jesus takes the mystery out of a life filled with sorrow by showing us the end, the outcome of life lived trusting in God s strength. All the weak children of God can rejoice and be glad even now because our reward will be great!. 5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said: 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, 4

5 for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (NIV) M: This is the Gospel of the Lord. C: (sung) Praise be to you, O Christ! BE SEATED Hymn of the Day: Hymn 395 Sermon Micah 6:1-8 Promises In Action: Walk Humbly Like Your Savior STAND 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, 5

6 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. BE SEATED Offering During the offering, please sign the friendship register in your pew. Thank you! STAND Prayer of the Church M: Rejoicing in the Light of Christ who has come to save us, let us pray for ourselves, for the Church in all places, and for the confession of the Gospel throughout the world, that through its light many may be led to Jesus eternal kingdom. O Father of Light, shine the bright beams of your Word upon your Church throughout the world that it may proclaim with authority the good news of the kingdom of your Son. Lord in your mercy, M: O Father of Light, fortify like an iron pillar the faith of our brothers and sisters throughout the world who are rebuked and persecuted for proclaiming your name. By your mercy, deliver them from suffering. Lord, in your mercy, M: O Father of Light, overthrow the evil and bloodshed that reign in our world. Support those who live in the midst of danger to body and soul, including those suffering from natural disasters. Lord, in your mercy, 6

7 M: O Father of Light, grant to journalists in print and broadcast media throughout this nation a desire to write and speak with clarity and fairness and so strengthen the bonds of society. Lord, in your mercy, M: O Father of Light, who forms life in the womb, lead all people to give thanks for your wonderfully creative work and to preserve the life of all children, born and yet unborn. Lord, in your mercy, M: O Father of Light, enlighten this congregation with the most excellent way of Christ s love, that the baptized in this place may bear with one another and endure trial and temptation as one. Lord, in your mercy, M: O Father of Light, rebuke and cast out the spirits and forces of evil that dominate those under their sway and forget not the afflicted and sick (especially ). Uplift them in body and soul by your righteous hand, and, according to your will, heal and preserve them. Lord, in your mercy, M: O Father of Light, in baptismal hope the blessed saints await the revealing of their final salvation in the resurrection to your eternal Kingdom. Following those marching to Zion strengthen our hope in you and let your unfailing love rest upon us. Lord, in your mercy, M: By the light of your Word we entrust all for whom we pray through the Holy One, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, C: Amen. Lord s Prayer 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. BE SEATED 7

8 Hymn Hymn 499 STAND M: 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. C: (sung) Amen. Benediction M: 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. C: (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen. BE SEATED Hymn Hymn 249 Questions/Comments about Zion? Contact: Pastor Randy Ott home: ; mobile: ; ottrr@mzluth.org Principal Rick Muchka mobile ; school , richard.muchka@mzls.org President Charles Edinger , candmedinger@icloud.com Elders: Howard Schultz School Board: Mike Feldkamp School Faculty: Hannah Holzueter, Brenda Kuchenbecker, Katie Muchka, Tim Pingel, Rick Muchka Website: Custodians: Dick Tisler (church) Synod : Paig Alexander (school) Secretary: Nancy Pantzlaff Wisconsin Lutheran Child and Family Service Appleton (WELS counseling) Kathleen Jasman Living Hope Counseling Ministries De Pere (WELS counseling) Dr. John Johnson, Director

9 News From Zion Mo rr is o n Z io n L u th e ra n Chu rc h w w w.m z lu th.o rg P a s to r Rand y O tt (h o m e ) (m o b ile) o t t rr@m z luth.o rg (e m a il) Call Information Meeting On Sunday, Jan. 29 we will have a Call Information Meeting about Mr. Pingel s call to St. Paul, Lake Mills. This meeting will replace our Commons Bible Study and Adult Christ Light Bible Study. We will have a brief study on the divine call and then we will discuss what the needs are at Lake Mills and here at Morrison. Join us and bring the family! Commons Bible Study We will not meet this Sunday. Join us next Sunday at 9:15 a.m. in the commons as we conclude the study: Christians in Conflict-A Bible Study About Peacemaking. We will look at A City of Peace. Join us! Sunday School for 3-5 year olds will meet today at 9:15 a.m. in the church basement. Adult Christ Light Bible Class will not meet this Sunday. Join us next Sunday at 9:15 a.m. in the front of church. Call Meeting We will have a meeting to call a pastor after late worship this Sunday. Join us in the front of church. Sunday Night Book Discussion will meet this Sunday at 7:00 p.m. in the church basement. We will begin our next book, Praying Luther s Small Catechism. The book is available in the basement. The cost of a book is $5. Please make your payment out to Pastor Ott and put it on his desk or in his mailbox. A Study Guide to use with the book is available on the desk by the books. Men s Bible Study & Open Gym You are invited to join other men in the congregation for a Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. After a brief study you can play basketball in the gym, sit in the bleachers and heckle those who are playing, or just sit and visit a while. It is entirely up to you! Join us! Women s Home Bible Study If you have questions or want to join us, please contact Jen Pingel ( ). Our next study will be on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 8:00 p.m. at the home of Michaela Hagenow. Announcements Food Pantry If you can help with donations or volunteering that would be awesome. If you are able to volunteer please contact Linda Bruegge at food pantry number or go to sign-up genius and pick the date that works for you for Sign-up link: go/ ada629a1f94-food. Soup For Souls We encourage all members of the congregation to use the meals of soup and bread and deliver them to family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors. These meals are free and are available at church and school. In Romans 13:10 we are reminded Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. This ministry tool is an excellent opportunity for us to take time to show our Christian love and compassion for individuals we encounter every day. If you would be willing to make soup please contact Pastor Ott, Nancy Pantzlaff, or Sandy Pantzlaff. Scrip Order Dates Please note that in February Scrip order dates on Sunday will not be on communion Sundays. Here are the dates to order Scrip in person: Monday, Jan. 30 school 8:00-8:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 5 church between services Monday, Feb. 13 school 8:00-8:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 19 church between services Monday, Feb. 27 school 8:00-8:30 a.m Men of His Word Conference The 8 th annual Men of His Word Conference will be held at the Oshkosh Best Western Premier Waterfront Convention Center on Saturday, Feb. 11, Please go online at to register and to get details about schedule, sessions, keynote speaker, cost etc. Hope to see you there! Volume 5 Issue 5 January 26 & 29, th Sunday after the Epiphany Our Mission is to Glorify God as we Gather around the Gospel so that we Grow in the Gospel and Go with the Gospel

10 Page 2 Weekly Calendar Sunday 9:15 a.m. Call Information Meeting, church 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 11:30 a.m. Call Meeting, church Sunday 7:00 p.m. Youth Group, school 7:00 p.m. Book Study chapter 1 Wednesday 5:00 p.m. Confirmation, school 5:30 p.m. Bible History Class, school 6:30 p.m. Men s Bible Study, open gym to follow 7:30 p.m. Choir Thursday 7:00 p.m. Epiphany 5 Worship News From Zion 8:00 p.m. Women s Bible Study, Michaela Hagenow s home 8:00 a.m. Epiphany 5 Worship 9:15 a.m. Conflict Bible Study, commons 9:15 a.m. Adult Christ Light, church 9:15 a.m. Sunday School, basement 10:30 a.m. Epiphany 5 Worship, Baptism 7:00 p.m. Book Study, church Our Stewardship of the Means of Grace Worship: 347 (21, 194, 133) Communion: 232 (19, 129, 84) Bible Class: 45 (7, 15, 23, X) Youth Study: 13 Synod Capital Debt Retired News From Our High Schools WELS News Late last month the final payment was made on the synod s capital debt. The retirement of the debt took place nearly a year and a half ahead of schedule. Efforts to repay the debt began in 2009 after various synodical debts were combined into a single debt of $22.4 million. An initial synodwide special offering called the Year of Jubilee was held that year. Through that offering and in the years that followed, the people of the synod brought gifts for debt retirement totaling approximately $5 million. The plan was put in place to amortize the remaining debt by the end of 2018 by budgeting for annual payments of $1.6 million. Last year, with the desire to retire the debt ahead of schedule, the Conference of Presidents authorized a second special offering called the One in Christ offering. The people of the synod responded again with gifts of $3.1 million. Those additional gifts and regular payments since that time made it possible for the Synodical Council to make the final payment on the debt late last month. The synod is now completely debt-free. Dollars previously set aside for debt payment can now be used to support the mission and ministry of the synod. This remarkable achievement, accomplished during a period of economic uncertainty, is truly a blessing for which we can be thankful to God. We humbly acknowledge that it happened only by God s grace and by the power of the gospel working in the hearts of his people. Thanks to all who gave their gifts of love for this effort, and thanks to our gracious FVL Musicfest is this Sunday, Jan.29, noon to 4 pm. This family-fun event showcases FVL s student musicians. Valet parking is available. Enjoy the marionette show, the children s room, and great music on several stages. Lunch & treats available for purchase. Admission $2. Proceeds benefit the music programs. Employment Opportunity: FVL Schools is hiring a part time bookkeeper. Under the direction of the FVL Schools leadership team, this position is responsible for performing a variety of bookkeeping and accounting duties including processing payroll, financial record keeping, creating invoices, and transactions including accounts payable. It will be hours per month, $11-15/hour depending on experience. The job description and application can be found at fvlschools.org. Repeat Performance had a great year in 2016 supporting Manitowoc Lutheran High. Each month exceeded the previous month's income. Donations are still coming in steadily and customers are still raving about our wonderful store. The only sad part is that we are still in need of volunteers. When day managers take their vacations, we lack additional people to fill their hours. We can also use more cashiers. Shifts are either 9-1 or 1-5. Are you free on Friday afternoon or Saturday? We often need help unloading donations or helping the cashier bag purchases. It would be a good way to get to know your store better. Call before coming in God for making it happen! Serving in Christ, President Mark Schroeder Pastor Randy Ott ; ; ottrr@mzluth.org Principal Rick Muchka , richard.muchka@mzls.org President Charles Edinger , candmedinger@icloud.com Elders: Howard Schultz psalm1830ministries@gmail.com School Board: Mike Feldkamp Website: Synod : Secretary: Nancy Pantzlaff Church Custodian: Dick Tisler School Custodian: Paig Alexander Wisconsin Lutheran Child & Family Service Appleton (WELS counseling) Kathleen Jasman Living Hope Counseling Ministries De Pere (WELS counseling) Dr. John Johnson Glorify Gather Grow Go