E-Vine September 1, 2018

 This Week’s Memory Verse

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

As We Gather

Married?  Single?  The Corinthian Church asked Paul what was best.  He gives pastoral advice for their current circumstances and adds that both marriage and singleness are a gift from God.  Each one has its blessings and challenges.  Whatever one’s position in life, the apostle encourages devotion to God.  Our time is short, and we are called to be faithful in the use of our time and gifts to be of service to the Lord and others.

Old Testament Deuteronomy 6:4-9 

Psalm: Psalm 119:41-48  

Epistle 1 Corinthians 7:25-40 

Gospel Mark 1:14-15 

No Children’s Church this week.

• Ministry Trends Forum Part 2:  A Gathering for Reflection and Prayer: On Tuesday September 11 at 7:00 in the Sanctuary, we will have a follow-up to the Ministry Trends Forums on June 11 and 24.  All are invited to this follow-up forum.  There will be more information presented, as well as the opportunity to discuss and reflect upon these trends, how we feel about them, and how they are affecting our lives.  But the main focus will be providing an opportunity to bring these concerns and opportunities to the Lord in prayer.  

• Worship: Let’s Talk about it.  We are planning a couple of forums for the purpose of discussing our Sunday worship life and how to improve it:  What can be improved?  How can we make worship more accessible for guests and those unfamiliar with the way we worship?   The forums will be on Sunday, September 23^rd in the Parish Hall/gym after each of the services.   The forum after the 8:30 service will focus on that service.  The forum after the 10:15 service will focus on the 10:15 service.

• Growth Group Worship Series – I AM: The Radical Claim that Changes Everything (September 30-November 11, 2018) – Our fall worship series will focus on the “I am” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John.  This series will involve not only Sunday Worship, but also a Growth Group gathering during the week.  The purpose of the Growth Group is to grow in friendship, to grow in God’s Word, and to positively impact the world.

• Wednesday Morning Bible Class…This class, led by Pastor Mark, will begin again on Wednesday, September 5^th.  This year we will continue studying the book of Romans, picking up at chapter 12.  This is a detailed study as we work our way through the rest of 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.

• Stephen Ministry Training Continues…This coming week the Stephen Ministry training class at St. John’s will be considering the subject of “The Art of Listening.”  In this presentation they will be honing their listening skills and finding out that listening well is extremely helpful and caring, but is also hard work.  We thank God for the continuing dedication of our Stephen Minister trainees and ask your continued prayers for them and for God’s blessings upon their ministries.  For more information about Stephen Ministry contact Pam Barker, Penni Cremen, or Pastor Mark.

• Youth Events…“Attention all HIGH SCHOOLERS! We have officially kicked off our Sunday Morning Hangout (smh). Come out each Sunday morning at 9:30am for fellowship & DONUTS! We meet in the Youth Office.”

“It’s almost school time y’all. Stay tuned for the fall kick off events!!”

• 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 on the link 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.