E-Vine October 1, 2015

  This Week’s Memory Verse

Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring–not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.  ~Romans 4:16

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           We continue our worship series on Paul’s letter to the Romans.  Grace was the heart of the message that Paul preached.  As he began to prepare to go to Rome to preach and teach there, he sent a letter to the church to serve as an introduction to his message.  That letter, Paul’s letter to the Romans, is the most systematic and thorough treatment of the plan of salvation in the New Testament.  Reading almost like a theology text book, Paul lays out the need for grace and the amazing gift of grace.

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  While we were still enemies, He gave us peace.  Because of this peace, we find joy even in the midst of suffering.  May the amazing peace of Christ fill our lives today!

• Isaiah 9:2-7
• Romans 5:1-11
• John 14:23-27

• Trunk or Treat – October 25^th at 5:00 PM    Helpers are needed for Trunk or Treat!  Please contact Janis King if you can help.

• Second Sunday Potluck: Oktoberfest    Join your brothers and sisters in Christ for fun and fellowship next Sunday, October 11^th at 11:30 AM.

• Aaron Comfort Dog Report: Please refer to the October Vine article for the latest update on Aaron’s activities.

• Missing Silver Tablecloth… The coffee hour group is missing their silver table cloth that covers the card table used for Sunday coffee hour. If you have it, please return it as soon as possible.  Thank you!

• Attention Thrivent Members: Want to help offer disaster relief assistance for the victims of all the fires burning in California? Please watch for a website link that will be sent to all Thrivent members in California via an email blast and via social media.

• Children’s Church teachers this week: Erika Boudreaux, Teresa Schmid, Tom & CC Commander

• Pastor Mark Sabbatical: The Board of Directors has authorized a sabbatical for Pastor Mark through October 18.  Please direct any requests for Pastoral Care to Pastor Mike.

• Children’s Church:  We have openings for Children’s Church leaders for both the preschool – 1^st grade class, and the 2^nd – 4^th grade class.  Are you interested in learning more about serving in this way?  Please contact Janis King.

• Sanctuary Choir practice has resumed!  New members are always welcome. Join us at 7:00 PM on Wednesdays!

• Wine Donations: Once again, the Worship Preparation Committee is seeking donations of red wine for Communion. Donations should be a minimum of 2 bottles, the usual amount needed for one service. Thank you for considering this opportunity to participate in the worship life of St. John’s.

• 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.

• Aaron Comfort Dog Visits:  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 page at AaronComfortDog.

• Mission India:  Please keep our Mission India Literacy trainer in your prayers.  As announced in church, we have met the goal for financially supporting our trainer for this year.  But we are still collecting support for Mission India, which will go toward supporting other literacy trainers.  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 the display in the church entryway.

• 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 each morning.