E-Vine January 12, 2017

This Week’s Memory Verse

 “Arise, shine, for your Light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. ~Isaiah 60:1

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As We Gather

On Sunday, we will be observing “The Baptism of Our Lord.”  On this Sunday, we recall the names of those who were baptized among us during the preceding year.  We pray that the remembrance of these Baptisms, plus our own Baptism, will nourish and nurture our faith for the living of the Christ-life.

• Old Testament Reading Isaiah 42:1-9
• Psalm Psalm 29
• New Testament Reading Romans 6:1-11
• Holy Gospel Matthew 3:13-17

• Open Forum on the Sanctuary: There will be an open forum on Sunday, January 22 after the 10:15 service (approximately 11:30) in the parish hall.  The purpose of this forum is to provide an update on the remodel and repair of the sanctuary, answer questions and receive feedback on a variety of issues including how we will be using it, furnishing it and paying for it.

• Financial Peace University:  We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan!  Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!  Each of the 9 weekly classes are about one hour and forty-five minutes long.  The next session will be held at St. John’s on Sunday afternoons at 4:30 PM from February 12 to April 9, 2017.  Materials are $93 (plus $9.30 shipping) per household.  Register and order materials for the class online at http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/classes/1033891

• Marriage Workshop:  Drs. Les and Leslie are excited to be bringing their “Fight Night” event to Napa on February 24^th at First Christian Church.  A fun date night for couples of any age or stage.  Filled with humor, fresh insight, and practical, new strategies for turning conflict into a means for deeper intimacy. You and your spouse will laugh while you learn new ways to instantly improve your relationship.  And did we mention you will have a blast while gaining practical tips to strengthen communication!  For tickets: https://tickets.buzztix.com/event/fnnapa

• Thrivent Builds Mission Trip:  The summer 2017 mission trip will be on the Hawaiian island of Kauai from July 3 to 13.  A team of 12 people will assist in the building of a new home with Habitat for Humanity.  The event is open to current college students and those who are 20 and older.  The estimated cost is $620 for Thrivent members and $920 for non-Thrivent members.  Email Pastor Mark for trip details and application pastormark@stjohnslutheran.net.  The application deadline is January 31, 2017.

• Children’s Church Teachers: Scott Zimmerman & Sarah Santora

• Built on the Rock Construction in Full Swing.  Setup for Sunday worship in the Parish Hall is on Saturday evenings at 6:00 PM.  We have set up an online tool for signing up to help.  Please contact Kathy Fitzgerald at kathyfitzgerald@sbcglobal.net to add your name to the list.

• Built on the Rock Update:  Through January 1^st, $139,813 has been offered for “Built on the Rock,” the Earthquake Repair and Seismic Upgrade.  We need $46,187 more to reach the goal of $186,000.

• NEW St. John’s Facilities Online Calendar:  Looking for a room for a meeting or event?  You can now 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.        

• ASPCA Recognizes Ruthie Comfort Dog:  Remember Ruthie Comfort Dog?  She came to Napa to help after our earthquake and the Valley fires.  She has been given a special award by ASPCA “Dog of the Year”.  To view, click here:

• 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!

• 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 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 as well as his new web page: NapaValleyComfortDogs.org 

• 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 devotion in your email.