E-Vine March 25, 2017

This Week’s Memory Verse

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

Philippians 3:7

                                                                                                                                                                                          As We Gather

We continue our Lent Worship series “Lent:  Personal Reformation.”  We are looking at the central teachings that were at the heart of the Reformation, and seeing in them a call to personal reformation today.  How is God calling us to reform our hearts and lives this Lent?

On Sunday, we focus on the simple truth that reformation means “change.”  The reformers were willing to initiate and embrace drastic changes to church for the sake of the Gospel and following Christ faithfully. Am I willing to change in my life to follow Christ more faithfully?  What is God calling me to change for the sake of the mission?” 

• First Reading Acts 11:1-18
• Psalm Psalm 102:25-28
• Second Reading 1 Corinthians  9:19-23
• Holy Gospel Matthew 12:1-14

• Children’s Church Teachers:  Kristi Carey & Scott Zimmerman

• Lent Wednesday Service –  Our Lent Midweek services this year are focusing on the life of the reformer, Martin Luther.  But it is not merely a history lesson.  We will see in the story of his life important lessons for us today about finding peace in the Gospel, about trusting in Christ alone, and about following him faithfully and boldly.  This week’s service will focus on Luther’s trial before the Emperor at the Diet of Worms.  Why did he refuse to recant?  What does that say to us today?  Where does our confidence come from? (The service will be in the Parish Hall and will be preceded by a light soup supper.) 

• Molly Troemel called as 4^th Grade Teacher: The Board of Directors has extended a call to Molly Troemel to serve as our 4^th grade teacher.  Please keep Sam and Molly in your prayers as they seek the Lord’s will.

• From Sam Troemel Regarding His Call to Calvary Indianapolis: In addition to my current Call here at St. John’s, I have also been extended a Call to serve as the Director of Youth and Family Ministry at Calvary Lutheran Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Your prayers and support is greatly appreciated during this time as Molly and I consider where God is calling us to serve Him and His people.  In Christ, Sam Troemel, Youth Ministry Director

• Church Directories are ready for pick-up!  Pick up your copy from the table in the Parish Hall or in the church office.

• Easter Flower Gifts & Memorials… Please use the special envelopes at the usher station for your gift towards the purchase of Easter flowers in our newly remodeled sanctuary.   If your gift is in memory of someone, please put their name on the envelope so it can be listed in the bulletin.  Thank you!

• AYA (As You Are) worship will be back on Saturday, April 1^st from 5:00-6:00 pm in the gym.  We hope you will join us for a casual time of worship and socializing.  Food and refreshments will be available.  Please dress comfortably!  This event will also include a preview of the school’s spring musical, The Lion King Jr!

• Easter Breakfast at the Resurrection Café will be back on Sunday, April 16^th from 9:00-10:30 pm!  The breakfast will look a bit different this year.  Pastries, fruit, coffee, and Juice will be available in the Faith Chapel where picnic table seating will be provided.  We hope you will join us for Easter Breakfast at the Resurrection Café where Good News meets good food!

• Congregation Members and School Families:  In addition to my current Call here at St. John’s, I have also been extended a Call to serve as the Director of Youth and Family Ministry at Calvary Lutheran Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Your prayers and support is greatly appreciated during this time as Molly and I consider where God is calling us to serve Him and His people.  In Christ, Sam Troemel, Youth Ministry Director

• Palm Sunday, April 9 — Celebration for moving back into the Sanctuary!  We’re so thankful to be back in the sanctuary.  Let’s celebrate with special food and fellowship after each service!  To sign up to bring a dish to share, or help in the kitchen, please see Pam Barker, Teresa Schmid, or Janet Peterson after services on Wednesday or Sunday.  Or sign up by clicking here: 

(Please note that the next Second Sunday Potluck will be on June 11.)

• From Janis King regarding upcoming surgery:  Two years ago I had eye surgery for a “hole in the macula”.(some of you may remember that!)  Well, 2% of the time it doesn’t last; wouldn’t you know, I am part of that elite group!  So, I am having surgery on April 11^th to repair the hole. My recovery involves lying face down for a minimum of two weeks and then several more weeks of waiting “patiently” for my vision to return. I am not sure at this point if I will be returning before the school year ends at SJL. At the very least, I am hopeful that I will be able to attend my daughter’s wedding on Memorial Day Weekend with Greg chauffeuring me around!  I am asking for and appreciate your prayers. I am also asking for some help in picking up the pieces in a couple of areas that I am responsible for:

1. The Easter Egg Hunt for the kids on Easter morning. 

2. Vacation Bible School: week of June 19th-23rd, 2017

Please let me know before April 7th  if you are able and willing to help out with either or both of these events. After April 7th, please contact Pastor Mike.  Your prayers and support will be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much for all of your support to Children’s Ministry.   Happy Spring!  Blessings, Janis

• Built on the Rock Update: Through March 19^th, $173,010 has been offered for “Built on the Rock,” the Earthquake Repair and Seismic Upgrade.  We need $12,990 more to reach the goal of $186,000.

• WASC Accreditation:  Next year, our current WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and NLSA (National Lutheran School Accreditation) is up for renewal.  We have already started the process of doing a very in-depth self-study of our school and programs.  We are currently assembling some Focus Groups who will work on specific sections of this self-study composed of teachers, parents, church members, and board members.  If you are asked to serve, please be willing.  We want broad involvement.  If you specifically would like to be involved in some way, contact Joel Wahlers. We hope to have a visit by an accreditation visiting committee sometime in March or April of 2018.  

• Mark your calendars:   VBS will be JUNE 19-23, 2017    9:00am till 12:00 Noon

• 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. 

• 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.

• NEW AARON NOTE CARDS:  We have new note cards for sale at the church office.  Thanks for supporting Aaron’s ministry!

• 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, and his website NapaValleyComfortDogs.org!

• 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.  Next Friday (3/10/17) is St. John’s service opportunity and we invite you to join us. 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.  Now you no longer need to question what to do with these batteries.  Bring them to one of our locations mentioned above, drop them in the container, and we will do the rest! Thank you for supporting our efforts in keeping our landfills clean.

• 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.

• Online:  Are you on Facebook?  Twitter?  Follow and Friend St. Johns!  @sjlcnapa