St. Matthew’s
Evangelical Lutheran
Church & School
(Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)
709 Milton Ave., Janesville, WI 53545
Church & School Phone: 752-1304
James Janke, Pastor 563-4383
Arden Wentzel, Staff Minister 758-4693
Kevin Proeber, Principal 752-5035
Worship for the Festival of Pentecost
June 1 & 4, 2017
Opening Hymn: #177 “Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest”
P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
Dialogue for the Day of Pentecost
P: I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,”
C: and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
P: As it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”—
C: but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
P: We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God,
C: that we may understand what God has freely given us.
P: Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.
C: Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
P: And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,
C: with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Confession of Sins
P: Almighty God, our Maker and Redeemer, we poor sinners confess unto you that we are by nature sinful and unclean, and that we have sinned against you in our thoughts, words and actions. Therefore we flee for refuge to your infinite mercy, seeking and imploring your grace for the sake of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
C: O most merciful God, you have given your only Son to die for us, have mercy on us and for his sake forgive us all our sins. By your Holy Spirit increase in us true knowledge of you and of your will, and true obedience to your Word, to the end that by your grace we may come to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
P: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, has had mercy upon us and has given his only Son to die for and for his sake forgives us all our sins. To those who believe on his name he gives power to become the sons of God and has promised them his Holy Spirit. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved. Grant this, Lord, unto us all.
C: Amen.
\
Prayer of the Day
P: Holy Spirit, God and Lord, come to us this joyful day with your sevenfold gift of grace. Rekindle in our hearts the holy fire of your love that with a true and living faith we may tell abroad the glory of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Father, one God, now and forever.
C: Amen.
Epistle: Acts 2:1-17
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: ‘‘Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, ‘‘What does this mean?”
13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, ‘‘They have had too much wine.”
14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: ‘‘Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 “‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.”
Verse of the Day
All: (sing) Praise we the Father and the Son
And Holy Spirit, with them One,
And may the Son on us bestow
The gifts that from the Spirit flow! (CW, 177:6)
Gospel: John 6:60-69
60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, ‘‘This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”
61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, ‘‘Does this offend you? 62 What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, ‘‘This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.”
66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
67 ‘‘You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
68 Simon Peter answered him, ‘‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”
P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to you, O Christ!
Hymn: #188 “Creator Spirit, by Whose Aid”
Sermon: Joel 2:23-32
23 Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God,
for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness.
He sends you abundant showers,
both autumn and spring rains, as before.
24 The threshing floors will be filled with grain;
the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.
25 ‘I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—
the great locust and the young locust,
the other locusts and the locust swarm—
the army that I sent among you.
26 You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
and you will praise the name of the LORD your God,
who has worked wonders for you;
never again will my people be shamed.
27 Then you will know that I am in Israel,
that I am the LORD your God,
and that there is no other;
never again will my people be shamed.
28 ‘And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
30 I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
31 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
32 And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved;
for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said,
among the survivors whom the LORD calls.
Praise The Savior Who Still Pours Out His Spirit
I. See why the Spirit is needed
II. See how the Spirit is given
III. See what the Spirit does
Response to God’s Word (CW, p.20)
Offering
Prayer of the Church for the Day of Pentecost
P: Praise to you, O Holy Spirit, on this day of Pentecost. We worship and glorify you as the Lord and giver of life. You were present at the beginning of the world to shed life on all created things. You gave new understanding to your disciples when you baptized them with fire of the day of Pentecost. By the baptism of water with the Word, you have made the light of faith shine in our hearts to know Jesus Christ as our Lord. As you enabled your disciples to speak in new tongues on the day of Pentecost, so you have taught our tongues to confess:
C: I believe that I cannot by my own thinking or choosing believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.
P: Holy Spirit, Comforter and Counselor, source of all spiritual gifts, stand by us in the weakness of our sinful flesh. Grant us a right understanding of the truths our Savior taught. Give us strength to endure with patience whatever afflictions God may send into our lives. Help us, intercede for us, and teach us to pray to the Father with boldness and confidence. Preserve us by the power of your Word in our most holy faith as members of the Church, which is the body of Christ, and of which we confess:
C: In the same way he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian Church he daily and fully forgives all sins to me and all believers.
P: Holy Spirit, our highest comfort in every need, in these last dark days of the world strengthen our feeble hands, steady our weak knees and encourage our fearful hearts. Remind us of God’s Word and promise: “Be strong; do not fear. Your Lord will come again. He will come to save you.” And in your last mighty, creative act, O Holy Spirit, raise up our mortal bodies so that we with all the saints, may lift up our heads and with glorified eyes see our Savior as we confess:
C: On the last day he will raise me and all the dead and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Hymn: #183 “Holy Spirit, Light Divine”
Prayer
C: (sing) Amen.
Benediction
C: (sing) Amen. Amen. Amen.
Closing Hymn: #185 “O Holy Spirit, Grant Us Grace”
Announcements:
1.The flowers on the altar have been given by Charlane and Bob Gibney in celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary. Congratulations and God’s blessings!
2.Call The following letter was received from Mrs. Phillips:
Dear Pastor Janke and Members of St. Matthews Lutheran Church,
I am humbled by the confidence you placed in me as you extended a one year Call to me to be your first and second grade teacher. The Lord has blessed this congregation with a strong desire to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ for 75 years. I humbly ask for your prayers and advice as I seek the Lord’s will for me and for St. Matthew’s. May the Lord of the church provide me with a clear picture of His will for me and for St. Matthew’s – all to His eternal glory.
Your Servant in Christ,
Ashley Phillips
3.Thursday Evening Services Please note that our Thursday evening services have resumed. We hope with summer approaching and busy weekends ahead members will take advantage of this early worship opportunity. The Thursday evening services will begin at 6:30 p.m.
4.Meals on Wheels - St. Matthew's will be delivering mealsJune 12 - 16. We have four routes with two people needed per route. Please see the poster on the bulletin board to sign up. The State of Wisconsin has required a background check for all drivers and helpers. Many have already filled out this form. If you haven't completed a background check form or if you have any questions contact Sally Wellnitz at 752-2037. Thank you.
5.Clothing Needed The following clothing items are needed for the Kevin Brown family who lost all their clothing in a recent fire. They are in need of 34x34 men's pants, shorts, XL shirts, and size 11 flip flops. Women’s 11-13 pants, shorts, med-large shirts, size 9 shoes. Their son wears 5T shirts, pants & shorts and 11 shoes. If you can help with any of these items, please bring them to the church office. If you have any questions, please contact Dan Dogs at 920-212-0416.
6.Save the Dates Our Summer Bible Camp/VBS will be held on July 17-19, 2017. Volunteers in many areas will be needed.
7.Our piano teacher, Mrs. Laurie Schmidt will be leaving us after this school year to spend more time with her children and grandchildren. In the meantime, a sub-committee of the Education Committee will begin searching for a replacement. We are asking potential candidates to submit a resume and then interviews will be held later in the summer. If you know of anyone interested, please let Mr. Proeber know.
8.Lakeside Lutheran High School is seeking candidates for a full-time Facilities Engineer. Main duties will include responsibility for the maintenance and improvement of school buildings, grounds, equipment, and the bus and car fleet. All interested individuals should submit an application and cover letter byTuesday, June 13, 2017. Applications can be picked up at the Lakeside office, or downloaded fromllhs.org/apps/pages/employment. Submit via e-mail , mail to 231 Woodland Beach Rd. 53551 or drop off during office hours, 9-1 M-F.
The Festival of Pentecost
Pentecost is a Greek word that means, “fifty.” Fifty days after the Passover, God’s Old Testament children would celebrate the Festival of Weeks. On this Pentecost (fifty days after Easter), many people were in Jerusalem to celebrate the Festival of Weeks. It was on this day that God gave Pentecost a new meaning. Pentecost can be considered the birthday of the New Testament church, when Christ’s disciples were empowered by the Spirit to spread the message of Christ crucified.
Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed
The Apostles’ Creed focuses us on the three persons of the Trinity; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Third Article covers the work of the Holy Spirit. Since Pentecost is the third of the high festivals for the church year and focuses on the work of the Holy Spirit, it is fitting that we use the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed along with its meaning.
St. Matthew’s Bible Classes
Today’s Bible Classes
Bible Class – “Ministry to Millennials”
Summer Sunday Bible Camp (Pre. – 6) Library
Tuesday Evening Bible Class 6:30 p.m.
Galatians 6 – “General Admonitions”
Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Class 9:30 a.m.
“Having a Mary Spirit”
Saturday Men’s Bible Class 7:30 a.m.
Isaiah 17 & 18 – Prophecies Concerning the Ungodly
Neighbors of Israel
Next Sunday’s Bible Classes 9:15 a.m.
Bible Class – “Ministry to Millennials”
Summer Sunday Bible Camp (Pre. – 6) Library
Sunday School Notes
1.Attend Bible class between services this summer! Summer Sunday Bible Camp will begin on Sunday, May 28th! We meet in the library between services. We have a Bible story, crafts, games, and a snack. This is open to all children thru sixth grade.
2.We are looking for any adult or child (seventh grade or higher) interested in helping out with reading the Bible story or doing crafts. Materials are provided. You do not have to commit to all Sundays. Just let us know which Sundays you are available. Please see Arden Wentzel or Lisa Thoni with any questions.
Assisting with Worship
Organist:
Lois Gustaveson
Ushers Today:
1st. Service: George Ehlers, Bob Williams, Jeff Burandt, Mike Fox
2nd Service: Fred Shadoski, Steve Brudos, Phil Madsen,
Corbin LaFleur
Assisting with Worship (continued)
Ushers Next Week:
1st. Service: Gerald Wellnitz, Richard Stout, Nathan Stout,
Evan Burnside
2nd Service: Jim Langkamp, Grant Langkamp, Mike Heiman,
Jacob Heiman
Greeters:
1st Service: Bob & Linda Williams
2nd Service: Steve & Lori Sage
Next Week Greeters:
1st Service: Tom & ResaTruppe
2nd Service: Fred & Deb Shadoski
Church Cleaning:
June 10 – Russ Scott & Fred Shadoski
June 17 – Craig Sonntag & Tim Stirmel
CODS:
Thursday 6:30 p.m.: Rory Groonwald
1st Service: Dale Beutin
2nd Service: Nick Schmitt