E-Vine August 24, 2018

  This Week’s Memory Verse

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.  For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?  Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord! ~Romans 7:22-24

 As We Gather

Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to “give thanks in all circumstances.”  This may be easy to do when circumstances are going our way.  But how do we give thanks when tragedy or heartache enter our lives?  It is only through Jesus Christ and His steadfast love and grace that we can find cause to be thankful in even the most difficult of times.

Sunday’s theme “Thankful Hearts” is also the theme for our school this school year.  The theme verses are 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.  “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Our School staff will be rededicated during the service on Sunday.   

We are also remembering and blessing the work of those who teach and serve in education throughout our community. During the service we will be inviting all who are involved in education to come forward to be blessed and prayed for.

During Sunday’s service we will also be recognizing the following ministry anniversaries:

Pastor Mark Heine (30 years), Joan Perez (25 years), Jennie Lovie (25 years).  Please stay for the reception following each service.

Old Testament Habakkuk 3:17-19  

Psalm: Psalm 100  

Epistle 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

Gospel Luke 17:11-19  

Children’s Church Teachers:  Kristi Carey and Danielle Irwin

St. John’s will be celebrating three staff members who are marking meaningful milestones in their service to God and St. John’s:

• Jennie Love – 25 years teaching
• Joan Perez – 25 years teaching at St. John’s
• Pastor Mark Heine – celebrating the 30^th anniversary of his Ordination

We will celebrate these staff members during worship on Sunday, August 26, and at a reception after worship on the patio.  We invite you to join us as we recognize their years of service.  You are encouraged to share cards or letters that share how much their service has meant to you and your family. These can be dropped off at the church office. We are also collecting monetary gifts for each staff member. If you would like to contribute to this gift, you can drop your donation off at the church office in an envelope marked “Staff Anniversary”. Please include a note to identify which staff member(s) the contribution is to be given.

• Rededication of St. John’s Lutheran School Staff.   We will be rededicating our school staff at both services this coming Sunday.  Please keep our teachers and staff in your prayers as they serve!

• Blessing of Teachers and Staff from schools in our community. The services this Sunday will also involve a blessing for all who are involved in education in our community.  This includes teachers at other schools, and staff who support education.   Community teachers and staff will be invited forward to be celebrated, blessed and prayed for.

• Ministry Trends Forum Part 2:  A Gathering for Reflection and Prayer: On Tuesday September 11 at 7:00 in the Sanctuary, we will have a follow-up to the Ministry Trends Forums on June 11 and 24.  All are invited to this follow-up forum.  There will be more information presented, as well as the opportunity to discuss and reflect upon these trends, how we feel about them, and how they are affecting our lives.  But the main focus will be providing an opportunity to bring these concerns and opportunities to the Lord in prayer.  

• Worship: Let’s Talk about it.  We are planning a couple of forums for the purpose of discussing our Sunday worship life and how to improve it:  What can be improved?  How can we make worship more accessible for guests and those unfamiliar with the way we worship?   The forums will be on Sunday, September 23^rd in the Parish Hall/gym after each of the services.   The forum after the 8:30 service will focus on that service.  The forum after the 10:15 service will focus on the 10:15 service.

• Growth Group Worship Series – I AM: The Radical Claim that Changes Everything (September 30-November 11, 2018) – Our fall worship series will focus on the “I am” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John.  This series will involve not only Sunday Worship, but also a Growth Group gathering during the week.  The purpose of the Growth Group is to grow in friendship, to grow in God’s Word, and to positively impact the world.

• Needed:  H.O.S.T.S. We are looking for people to serve as a H.O.S.T. for these groups.  This is a great way to start a growth Group without having to worry about being a good enough teacher or Bible Scholar.   We are looking for people who are hospitable to host groups in their homes.    The teaching will be done with video.  The H.O.S.T. will facilitate discussion with provided questions based on video teachings.  Training will be provided on Tuesday, August 28 at 7:00 PM in Room 10.  An additional session will be scheduled if needed.  If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Pastor Mike (pastormike@stjohnslutheran.net) 

• Confirmation Ministry… There will be an information meeting on August 29^th at 7:00 PM in the Parish Hall for all parents and students interested in Confirmation ministry this year.   We will present and discuss the goals of this ministry, the calendar for this year, as well as the costs that will be involved.  Confirmation Ministry at St. John’s is a two-year program for those going into 7th or 8th grade. 

• Stephen Ministry Training Continues…This coming week the Stephen Ministry training class at St. John’s will be considering the subject of “Feelings: Yours, Mine, and Ours.”  In this presentation they will be talking about the importance of recognizing and accepting all the feelings that people have.  Those who are participating in Stephen Ministry training are excited about what they are learning and about the ministries they are anticipating.  We look forward to the work of our future Stephen Ministers among us.  For more information about Stephen Ministry contact Pam Barker, Penni Cremen, or Pastor Mark.

• Coffee Hour… Since there has been little response for additional help, coffee hour is being discontinued for now.  We need people to commit for a year to this hospitality ministry. We are looking for 8 teams so each team would serve one Sunday every 2 months. See Susan or Bill Clark for more information. 253-2477 or email cwillclark@comcast.net

• Will You Leave A Legacy As A Disciple Of Christ?… Your help is needed in Children’s Ministry at St John’s Lutheran Church.  We are currently looking for some additional Children’s Church Leaders.  What’s required for the job? A love for Jesus and a love for children!  We provide the resources for what you teach (the curriculum).  Your commitment is usually for one Sunday a month during the 10:15 am worship service. Please contact Janis King immediately! Thank you for prayerfully considering this special opportunity as a disciple of Christ!

• Youth Events…“Attention all HIGH SCHOOLERS! We have officially kicked off our Sunday Morning Hangout (smh). Come out each Sunday morning at 9:30am for fellowship & DONUTS! We meet in the Youth Office.”

“It’s almost school time y’all. Stay tuned for the fall kick off events!!”

• St. John’s Facilities Online Calendar:  Looking for a room for a meeting or event?  You can view this calendar online.  Go to https://teamup.com/ks059311afd6a21c57   If you would like to book a room/location on campus for an event/meeting, please contact Christy Kramer at the church office to be added to the calendar.  Please note:  You may only use the facility if you have pre-reserved your requested room/location with Christy Kramer

• Mission India:  Please keep this year’s Mission India Literacy trainers in your prayers.  To support this ministry financially, please make out your check to St. John’s.  You can use the designated offering envelopes or write on your check that it is for Mission India.  For more information about our partnership with Mission India and the opportunity to change lives and draw them to Christ, see www.missionindia.org. 

• Aaron Comfort Dog… New team members are always welcome!  Come join us and observe how this amazing ministry works.  Please contact Tim or Christy Kramer if you would like to “shadow” during one of our events!

• Aaron Comfort Dog Contact Info:  If you would like to request a visit from Aaron, please contact Tim or Christy Kramer @ 255-0119.  For an update on his activities, please check out his Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages at AaronComfortDog.  

• Ministry Opportunity:   St. John’s participates in The Table ministry (based at First Presbyterian Church, 1333 Third St. in Napa) by cooking/serving a meal every month on the 2nd Friday.  If you would like to help, please sign up for a shift (or multiple shifts) by clicking here! We thank you for your service.  Your time and your talents are greatly appreciated.   Blessings, The Table Team

• Recycle your Household Batteries at SJL: St. John’s Lutheran is working with Napa Recycling on collecting and disposing of any household batteries you may have; AAA, AA, C, D & 9 volt batteries. We will not accept automotive or drill batteries, only standard household batteries. Containers are available in the school office, church office, and Room 10.

• Campus Security:  Please remember to check that doors are properly closed and locked as you leave the room you are using.  Thanks for helping us take care of our campus.

• Abide Daily Devotion… How do I let Scripture guide my prayer life?  How can I let Jesus direct what I pray for each day?  The Abide Devotion, written by Pastor Mike, is a daily devotion designed to address these concerns.  You can click here for more information and to subscribe to receive the devotions in your email each morning.