This Week’s Memory Verse
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” ~Matthew 22:37-39
As We Gather
Weariness and discouragement as a result of circumstances, doubt, and impatience have long plagued even the most faithful believer. The Bible is full of examples. Doubt and worry can lead to feelings of broken promises and abandonment from God. How do we weather such storms in our Christian walk? How do we grow through such experiences in a deeper trust in our Lord’s promises? Jesus calls us to take heart as He reminds us of what He has done and is still doing for our salvation.
First Reading Isaiah 49:1-17
Psalm Psalm 77:1-15
Second Reading Romans 8:31-39
Gospel John 16:16-33
Children’s Church: Sarah Santora
Second Sunday Potluck This Sunday This Sunday in Room 10 after second service. The theme will be “August Harvest”, with emphasis on fruits and vegetables, which does include that pesky zucchini that comes in such abundance. There will be fresh corn on the cob. If you are coming, let Ron and Lois Johnson know so they can make sure there will be corn for all!
Red Letter Challenge Growth Group Hosts: Wednesday, August 21 at 7:00 in Room 10. We are looking for people to serve as a H.O.S.T. for the Red Letter Challenge Growth Groups. The teaching is video based. Your role would be to host and facilitate the discussion and prayer. 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. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Pastor Mike (pastormike@stjohnslutheran.net).
Caring for God’s Creation: How can I better care for God’s creation in my own home? On Wednesday, August 14 at 7:00 PM, Tom Hoff, founder and chief research officer of Clean Power Research will be presenting “Shrinking Your Carbon Footprint to Zero: Making Changes in Your Home” in the Sanctuary. Come learn about how you can make your home more creation-friendly, and then take a field trip to the Hoff home and see how he has shrunk the carbon footprint of his home.
“Together With All Creatures” This is the document Pastor Mike referenced in the sermon on July 28 on the care of creation. It is a study by the Commission on Theology and Church Relations of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
“Immigrants Among Us” This is the document Pastor Mark referenced in the sermon on August 4th on the immigration and refugee crisis. It is a study also written by CTCR. You can download it here. https://blogs.lcms.org/2018/ctcr-bible-study-immigrants-among-us-a-lutheran-framework-for-addressing-immigration-issues/
Stephen Ministry – Why Lay Ministry?…Stephen Ministry is based on the idea that all Christians are ministers. The responsibility for passing on God’s love is for all Christians, not just a chosen few. God has given us all gifts for ministry and called us to put those gifts to use. Stephen Ministry is a way people with special gifts for caring ministry can use those gifts to bring Christ’s love to people in need. The next training session begins September 19. Learn more about Stephen Ministry and what Stephen Ministers do at the Stephen Ministry Information Meeting on Sunday, August 18 at 6:30 PM in Room 10. If unable to attend, contact Pastor Mark for information – pastormark@stjohnslutheran.net .
Comfort Dog Ministers Needed!…Our congregation is so blessed to have the opportunity to serve our God with our LCC K9 Comfort Dog Ministry. Won’t you join us?
We encourage all of you to join us as we go out into our community to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are hurting and in need. We invite you to come along on Aaron’s outings – they happen almost every day! Just call Christy at the church office to see what Aaron is doing during the time you are interested in helping.
Secondly, as we prepare for the arrival of our second Comfort Dog, we invite you to consider being involved as caregivers, handlers, or social media coordinators. If you are interested in these three ministry positions for our second Comfort Dog, please call the Kramers in the church office.
Needed: Projector Techs for 10:15. We are looking for several additional projector techs for the 10:15 service. Training and mentoring will be provided. If you are interested, contact Pastor Mike (pastormike@stjohnslutheran.net) or Dawn Wahlers (dwahlers@stjohnsnapa.org )
YOUTH NEWS: August already! Wow! The summer is coming to an end very quickly but have no fear, our youth ministry is here year round at St. John’s!
Our middle school groups will have one more summer event at Aegis Living on August 13th at 6pm.
CLUB 56 & ABLAZE Back to School Kick-off will take place on August 27th from 6-7:30pm. We will welcome all the new 5th graders and welcome back all the returning middle schoolers. Come enjoy pizza and fun with your friends!
CREW 34 was a huge hit last school year and we are excited to bring it back! We will kick it off in September. Stay tuned for more information on that.
Children’s Church Teachers Needed for the Fall… After serving faithfully for years, we have a couple of people who are not returning to teach this coming fall. We are looking for new volunteers to teach on a regular basis. Ideally, if you work with a partner you might only teach once a month. Please contact Janis King if you can help.
Scrip: Everyone is invited and encouraged to use SCRIP!! What is Scrip? Scrip are gift cards that the school purchases at discounts and sales to you at face value. The profit goes to APT to help our students. Scrip may be purchased in the school office during normal school hours.
Attention all AMAZON Users! Please consider using “Amazon Smile” when you place your orders, designating St. John’s Lutheran Church fund. (There is no additional cost to you!) Just click on the link below and place your order. It is that simple! https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-6001864
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’s Blog: If you’d like to follow along with Aaron’s summer road trip to the annual LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Conference in Northbrook, IL, you can sign up for his blog on our website: napavalleycomfortdogs.org . Look for “Keep up with Aaron’s Adventures” at the bottom of the site and sign up.
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: @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 on the link 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.
Leave a Reply