E-Vine March 16, 2018

This Week’s Memory Verse

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.  Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. ~Colossians 4:3-4

As We Gather

Our worship series this Lent will focus on the prayers of Paul for others.  We will explore what was going on that prompted his prayers, and what were the things that he was led to pray for.  And then we will apply these insights to our lives today.  It is our goal that this study of Paul’s prayers will inform, deepen, strengthen, and bless our prayers for others in our lives today.

How do we pray for others?  Paul prays that the Ephesians would come to know God better, specifically that they would come to better know the hope that they have in Him, and the power that is at work in them and for them, and for all the church.  We are reminded and encouraged to pray for others, that they would come to know God better.

Old Testament Exodus 34:5-10

Psalm: Psalm 1

Epistle Ephesians 1:15-23

Gospel John 17:24-26

Children’s Church Teachers:  Erika Boudreaux, Teresa Schmid, Jenny Gass

• Easter Flower Donations…  If you wish to make a contribution for Easter Flowers, please use the envelopes in the chair backs for this purpose and put it in the offering plate.  Thank you!

• The Thursday afternoon Women’s Bible Study will not meet during Holy Week since there is a Maundy Thursday service in the Sanctuary at 1:00 PM on March 29^th.

• Lent Wednesday Worship Series . . Our series, “Signs of Lent” is based on road signs, and how their messages apply to our life in Christ.  Each sign points to a truth to take to heart on our Lenten journey on the road to the cross.  And each of these signs, as we encounter them on the real roads of our lives, can remind us of the greater journey that we are on. .Next week’s sign is the DEAD END Sign.  (Wednesday, March 21^st at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary)

• Lent Soup Suppers . . . We will be having a soup supper before the Wednesday evening service at 6:00 pm in the Parish Hall.  Join us for Fun, Food and Fellowship!  There is no charge for the meal; a freewill offering is accepted but not necessary.

• Holy Week Worship Schedule…

Maundy Thursday – 1 & 7 PM

Good Friday – 1 & 7 PM

Easter Vigil – 8 PM

Easter Sunday–8:30 AM and 10:15 AM

• Easter Breakfast…Please join us on Easter Sunday for breakfast in the Parish Hall between the hours of 9:00 am and 10:30 am.  The High School and Jr. High Youth at St. John’s will be serving a breakfast consisting of an egg bake casserole; assorted pastries; fresh fruit salad; juices, milk, coffee and tea.  Free Will Donation:  All proceeds from this year’s breakfast will support our youth attending the LCMS National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis the summer of 2019.  “Give what you have decided in your hearts to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

• ATTENTION ALL CURRENT AND POTENTIAL CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS!!

The congregation will now accept applications for student grants for the 2018-2019 academic year.  All members of St. John’s, who plan to attend any of our ten synodical universities or our two seminaries, are eligible to apply.  All you have to do is send a brief note to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, ATTN: Tim Kramer, or an e-mail to tkramer@stjohnslutheran.net, announcing your intent to enroll in the 2018-2019 academic year.  All applications must include the following information:

1. Your Name
2. School Name
3. Student ID or Account #  (if returning student)
4. Degree you are pursuing
5. Year and Level of study (e.g. Junior year, Undergrad; 5^th year, teacher certification, or student teaching; Graduate studies)
6. Attending Fall Term or Spring Term (or both)
7. Briefly explain why you’re attending Concordia and how you plan to use your studies/future vocation to shine the light of Christ and to witness for Jesus as His kingdom representative in the world.

Deadline for applications is March 31, 2018.  Actual grant amount to each student is undetermined but will be based, in part, upon the number of students requesting assistance.  So, if you are considering attending a synodical university–even if you have not made a final decision–please send a brief note informing us of where you are in your decision process so that we can plan accordingly.

• Worship Preparation Team Members Needed… Please consider joining our team!  This important ministry needs some additional helpers – individuals, couples, families, friends!  Many volunteers mean that you only have to serve one or two months each year, so grab a friend and contact Doris Klein and Betsy Gewirz or call the church office if you are able to serve our Lord in this way.

• Women’s Bible Study   Please join us for a weekly Bible study on 1 John on Thursdays from 1 – 2:30 PM, in the sanctuary. All women are invited to this new ministry. Invite a friend!  Bring your Bible or use one from the church. Notebooks and paper will be supplied. Refreshments will be served. Childcare is available with advance notice. Please RSVP to Teresa, Judi, or Pam (via text, phone, or email) so that we know how many chairs to set up. We hope to see you there!

Teresa Schmid   707-738-7554   tschmid08@gmail.com

Judi Rock           707-738-6707   Jbaboo1771@gmail.com

Pam Barker       707-225-4707   pam.moe.barker@gmail.com.

• 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.