​St. John
Tigerton
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Dec. 14, THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT- GAUDETE
WELCOME CHRISTIAN FRIENDS. You are the light of the world. God’s light is seen upon each abiding believer. It is a spiritual splendor promised to those who are faithful and true in Christ. VISITORS…we are glad to have you with us. If you desire a call from Pastor Suehring please contact him at 715-851-1151.
The Gospel is also the basis for the Lord’s Supper, which we celebrate again today. In this Sacrament, Christ Jesus is truly present with his body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins. In joyful obedience to the teachings of the Scriptures, St. John, and the congregations of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod practice “closed communion” with those who share our outward confession of the faith. We ask guests who wish to commune to speak with the pastor before the service.
Order of Service – pg. 184 LSB
HYMNS: SUN: 349, 347, 618, 619, 359
Scripture Lesson:
First Reading: Isaiah 35:3-10, “The Ransomed Shall Return”
Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, “The Ministry of Apostles”
Gospel: Matthew 11:2-15, “Messengers from John the Baptist”
Att. Last week: Wed. 45 Comm. 33 Sun. 84 Comm. 56
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THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN
MONDAY: Choir 5 pm
TUESDAY: Elders Meeting 6:30 pm
WEDNESDAY: Bible Study 9:30 am
LWML & CWG Meeting 10:30 am
Advent Service 5:00 pm at St. John, Tigerton
Advent Service 6:30 pm at St. John, Caroline
SUNDAY (12/21): Communion Service at Immanual, Caroline 7:30 am
Communion Service at St. John, Tigerton 9:00 am
Worship Service at St John, Caroline 10:30 am
CCBC Sunday School 10-11 am
Prayers for strength and healing for Bert Lehman, Jim Retzlaff, Norman Severson, Virginia Kauffman, Carl Kriesel, Amber Selle, Cindy Polley, Maggie Huss, Judy Smith, Mike Kielblock, Karen Jensen, Sandy Vollmer, Marilyn Koepke, Don Wolff, Leah Lehman, Keith Alft Sr., Kathy Hintz, Clarence Natzke, Bentley Koepke, Tully Tauferner, Sharon Dedolph, and Judy Schroeder. Pray for all who are in nursing homes or shut-ins. NOTE: If there are any names you wish to have added or taken off, please let Sarah know. ALSO: If any of our members are in the hospital, please let Pastor know. Hospitals no longer notify us. Thanks.
Lutherans for Life is planning a Signature Ad in the Market Messenger. Tentative date for the ad to run is Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. A suggested donation of $3.00 per name. Names need to be collected by January 5th. Any questions call Rhonda 715-573-7517 or Teresa 715-851-5696.
Poinsettias given in memory of Art & Marcella Kauss, Sally Freckmann, and Joan Anklam from Bonnie, Nancy, and Kathy. They are truly missed.
Poinsettias on the altar in memory of loved ones. Given by Betty Kohn.
Poinsettias given from LWML & CWG.
2026 OFFERING Envelopes are at the back of church. Please take yours today, but please do not use them until Jan. 1, 2026
Thank you, Thrivent financial and congregation member, for the choice dollars. This month we received $4
LIFE THOUGHTS FROM LUTHERANS FOR LIFE - Our congregations must become comfortable speaking publicly about abortion if for no other reason than that Christian hearts also carry guilt and grief over the killing of their own children. The Word of the Lord commands us to condemn sin so that we may cry out comfort and peace (Isaiah 40:1-2) in the Heavenly Father’s forgiveness, even for violating the sanctity of human life.
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Third Sunday in Advent- Gaudete
Introit: Ps. 85:1-2, 6, 8; antiphon: Phil. 4:4-5- Speak responsively
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand
Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin.
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand
During the Season of Advent the Gloria in Excelsis is omitted from the Service.
Collect of the Day
Lord Jesus Christ, we implore You to hear our prayers and to lighten the darkness of our hearts by Your gracious visitation; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Old Testament: Isaiah 35:3-10
Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 7 the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. 8 And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. 9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. 10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Gradual: Psalm 80:1-2
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth. Stir up your might and come to save us!
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock!
Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:2-15
2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” 7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.