E-Vine December 20, 2018

This Week’s Memory Verse

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ~Hebrews 12:1-2

As We Gather

The season of Advent is about waiting in hope for the coming of the Savior.  We commemorate our Savior’s birth over 2000 years ago.  We celebrate His coming and dwelling among us today.  We anticipate with hope His appearance in glory in the resurrection.

Our worship series for Advent and Christmas will explore the answer to the question “Who is Jesus?” by focusing on the genealogy of Mary’s son as it is given to us in the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew 1:1-17.  Each week points us to a different aspect of His identity and the blessings that identity brings as we follow Him.  Today we look at Jesus as the Son of Mary.  What does this mean for us today?

Old Testament Isaiah 7:1-14

Psalm Psalm 80:1-7  

New Testament Galatians 4:4-6

Gospel Matthew 1:18-25

Children’s Church Teachers: No Children’s Church today.

Christmas Worship  

Come celebrate the birth of the Savior.   

Christmas Eve

• December 24 4:00 PM Children and Family service
  • This Christmas celebration is designed for children.
• December 24 7:00 PM  Communion Service
  • This celebration of the Savior’s birth will conclude with a candlelight singing of Silent Night.  The Worship Band will be leading the singing.
• December 24 9:00 PM Communion Service
  • This celebration of the Savior’s birth will include traditional hymns and carols, and conclude with a candlelight singing of Silent Night.  The Sanctuary Choir will be singing at this service.

Christmas Day

• December 25 9:30 AM Communion Service
  • The Sanctuary Choir will also be singing at the Christmas Day Service.

Commissioning of Jennie Lovie . . . Our 2^nd grade teacher, Jennie Lovie, has completed the colloquy program to be a commissioned minister of the gospel of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod as a teacher.  The Board of Directors has called her and she has accepted the call..  She will be commissioned as a called teacher during the services on Sunday, December 30.  We give thanks to God for Jennie’s ongoing ministry among us.

6^th Grade Teacher Search – Debbie Stanhope has announced that she will retire from the teaching ministry at the end of this school year after 43 years – all of it at St. John’s.  While we are thankful to God for Debbie’s service and ministry, we are also excited about following God’s direction in selecting a new 6th grade teacher.  If you would like more information or have any names you would like to submit as potential candidates, please contact Joel Wahlers in the school office – jwahlers@stjohnsnapa.org.

Wednesday Morning Bible Class…This class, led by Pastor Mark, will begin a study of 1 Samuel on Wednesday, January 9^th.  This will be a detailed study of Samuel the last judge and Saul the first king of the Israelites as we work our way through this book verse by verse.  All who are available on Wednesday mornings are welcome to join us.  Class meets each Wednesday morning in Room 10 from 10:30 – 11:30.

Fire Relief. . . We encourage your prayers for those who are affected by the fires, as well as those who are bravely fighting them.  If you would like to make a donation for fire relief, we encourage you to consider these two options.

• California Nevada Hawaii District (LCMS):  100% of funds donated go to relief in our district.  Click here for an update and to donate   
• Thrivent Financial.  Thrivent is matching up to $250,000 dollar for dollar.  To give through Thrivent, Go to this link to donate.  

Best Practices for Ministry 2019.  Registration is open for this free conference on mission and ministry at Christ Church Lutheran in Phoenix, AZ, February 21-23, 2019.  The conference is for lay people and church workers.  It is a gathering of people to encourage one another for mission and ministry, and to share ideas and resources to help us grow as the people of God.  Bible-based.  Gospel-Centered. Mission Drive.  Future-oriented.   To register, go to www.cclphoenix.org and click on “BPM.”   If you are interested in attending, please let the church office know so that we can coordinate transportation and lodging. We have funds from our endowment fund for hotel lodging for the conference.

Youth Update:

• Merry Christmas from St. John’s Youth Ministry! We have a few more events taking place before the break to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

 Use of Bathrooms:  When adults are on the church and school grounds during the school day (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), please only use the adult bathrooms located in the school library or church offices. Thank you!

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 Costco/Trader Joes Shoppers? We carry Visa cards in $50’s and $100’s. Costco only takes Visa cards, cash or checks.  Stop by the school office before you head off to Costco or Trader Joes and purchase your Visa cards. While you are here check out everything that is available to you.

• Returning Vendor~ Chevron
• Remember Scrip for your Thanksgiving Shopping
• Grocery Stores: Whole Foods, Safeway, Lucky, Target, Wal-Mart
• Best Percentage: Tarla Bar & Grill 20%, Hop Creek 20%, Filippi’s 15%, Food Shed 10%, Land’s End 16%, Chipotle 10%, Bath & Body Works 13%, 
• Scrip gift cards are perfect for following a household budget
• You can pay your Kohl’s bill with Kohl’s Scrip 4%
• Families can shop both in-store or online with participating retailers
• Scrip gift cards are just like using a credit/debit card, but without the fraud risk
• Scrip gift cards are perfect for holiday gift giving and shopping

Love and Logic…  Beginning January 9^th, we will be offering a parenting class called “Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun: Creating Happy Families and Responsible Kids” This is a video/discussion type class for parents of young children.  “When parents start Love & Logic in their children’s early lives, they dramatically up the odds that the teenage years will be fun instead of frantic. Parents will learn a practical set of tools to help raise super kids!”  Pre-Registration is necessary because we have to order a workbook for each parent/couple participating. The cost is $15 payable to St. John’s Lutheran School. We would like to limit the class to 12 people so space is available to the first 12 to pre-register with Janis King.  You can call, email or do this in person.

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:   “Aaron returns to Las Vegas”  Please click on this link http://napavalleycomfortdogs.org/2018/10/02/las-vegas-recovery/   to read about Team Aaron’s return to Las Vegas for the 1 year anniversary of the mass shooting.

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.